Daniel Izu Wins 2nd SDGs Short Film Challenge

…Beats 2,249 Competitors to Claim the Title

Eze Izu Daniel emerged victorious on Saturday night at the 2024 SDGs Short Film Challenge and Awards, held at the Silverbird Cinema in Central Area, Abuja. Daniel’s film, Wasted, triumphed over 2,249 entries from 119 countries across Europe, America, and Asia to secure the coveted grand prize.

The winning film, centered on the effects of drug addiction among young people, tells the story of a promising youth whose reliance on drugs to overcome stage fright spirals into a debilitating addiction. The narrative aligns with SDG Goal 3, which focuses on health and well-being.

“I feel like the hard work is paying off gradually,” Eze said in a post-victory interview with journalists.

The first runner-up was Road Trip by Victor Eyike and Accelerate TV, followed by Oke Okuta by Oke Tolulope.

In the international category, British Passport by Mahmood Pouyandah from Iran won Best International Film, while Imperishable by Akansha Tiwari from India took home the Best Documentary award. Carbon Traces by Stafie Gan from the USA won Best Animation, and Alone by Stephen Shenboyejo earned the Viewers’ Choice Award.

The selection of Wasted as the grand prize winner was met with resounding applause from both the online audience and attendees at the event. Key dignitaries in attendance included Elsie Attafuah, UN Resident/Humanitarian Coordinator (a.i.), who described the event as a “celebration of talent, innovation, and vision.”

Other notable guests included Hon. Usman Bashir Zubairu, representing the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Tajudeen Abbas; Hamza Baba; Imran Garba Duba, Special Assistant to the President on Innovation; and Mrs. Winifred Shokpeka, FCT NYSC Coordinator. The Minister of Arts, Culture, and Creative Economy, Barr. Hannatu Musa Musawa, and NYSC Director-General, Brig-Gen. YD Ahmed, also sent representatives.

Empowering Filmmakers for Sustainable Development

The SDGs Short Film Challenge, organized by the Office of the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Sustainable Development Goals (OSSAP-SDGs), the United Nations Information Centre (UNIC), and FreshNEWS Multimedia, is an annual initiative aimed at empowering young filmmakers to raise awareness of sustainable development through storytelling.

This year’s event saw filmmakers tackling global issues such as gender inequality and climate change through short films of no more than 15 minutes. Unlike the inaugural edition in 2023, which attracted 73 entries from Nigeria, the 2024 edition received 2,250 submissions from 119 countries, demonstrating the platform’s growing global impact.

In her keynote address, Princess Adejoke Orelope-Adefulire, Senior Special Assistant to the President on Sustainable Development Goals, commended the filmmakers and highlighted the importance of leveraging creative industries for sustainable development.

“This event is significant as it harnesses the power of film and the creativity of youth to amplify voices, showcase diverse perspectives, and inspire action. Film transcends boundaries, touches hearts, and ignites conversations,” she said.

Elsie Attafuah echoed similar sentiments, emphasizing the role of young people in driving innovation through digital technologies and creative industries. “This initiative is far more than a film competition; it is a vital step towards realizing the potential of young people to address global challenges like climate change and gender inequality.”

The 2024 SDGs Short Film Challenge has successfully positioned itself as a global platform for young filmmakers, empowering them to spark critical conversations and inspire action toward achieving the Sustainable Development Goals.