The maiden edition of the European Union and National Film Institute Students’ Film Festival (EU–NFI Students’ Film Festival) has ended in Jos after three vibrant days of film screenings, masterclasses, and cultural exchange at the National Film Institute (NFI).

Curated and implemented by the Eastern Nigeria International Film Festival (ENIFF), the event brought together over 702 participants under the theme “Reel Harmony: Rebuilding Bridges Through Film and Culture.” The festival celebrated film as a universal language that fosters understanding, dialogue, and peace — aligning with the European Union’s ongoing commitment to supporting culture and youth creativity in Nigeria.

At the opening ceremony, distinguished guests, including Zissimos Vergos, Deputy Head of the European Union Delegation to Nigeria and ECOWAS; Dr. Ali Nuhu, Managing Director of the Nigerian Film Corporation; and Mrs. Nnenna Euchawa Mba, the Acting Rector of the National Film Institute, emphasized the power of storytelling to connect communities and build empathy across divides.

The ceremony also featured European film screenings and a panel discussion that explored the role of cinema in promoting social cohesion and creative exchange.

The event also featured masterclasses that deepened the learning experience for students and emerging filmmakers

Ujuaku Akukwe, the Curator, and Founder of ENIFF, led a workshop on Impact Storytelling, emphasizing film as a catalyst for social change and authentic representation. Ike Nnaebue, award-winning filmmaker and director of No U-Turn, facilitated a Pitching Masterclass, guiding participants on how to communicate their vision effectively to potential collaborators and investors..

The final day of the festival celebrated creativity and excellence through an award ceremony honoring standout student productions. Winners included Memory Box (Best Short Film), Becoming (Best Documentary), Warpple (Best Animation), and The Bridges (Best Pitch Project). The event concluded with a stunning performance by the Asharuwa Dance Troupe, drawing thunderous applause from the audience.

In his remarks, Mr. Kings Oluleye, Festival Manager at NFI, expressed gratitude to the European Union for funding the festival and commended ENIFF’s excellent curatorial leadership in shaping a high-quality learning and cultural experience.

Mrs Ugo Sokari-George, Public Affairs Officer at the Delegation of the European Union to Nigeria and ECOWAS, in her closing remarks, expressed appreciation for ENIFF’s strong partnership and reaffirmed the EU’s commitment to supporting initiatives that promote culture, education, and youth empowerment. She said the EU would be looking forward to seeing the festival return in 2026, to continue serving as a bridge between creativity, learning, and collaboration.

Through film, dialogue, and performance, the EU–NFI Students’ Film Festival reaffirmed that storytelling remains one of the most powerful tools for rebuilding bridges between people, cultures, and generations.

This project was funded by the European Union, whose continued investment in culture and youth creativity empowers young Nigerians to tell their stories and strengthen the bridges that connect us all.