The 2025 EU in Nigeria Short Film Competition is now open for entries, providing a unique platform for young Nigerian filmmakers to express their creativity. In partnership with the Zuma International Film Festival, the Delegation of the European Union to Nigeria, and ECOWAS, this competition invites young filmmakers between the ages of 20 and 35 years to craft a compelling short film that reflects the theme: “Being a Nigerian Youth”.
This competition challenges participants to creatively capture the realities, aspirations, struggles, resilience, and triumphs of Nigerian youth in today’s world. Whether through narrative, documentary, or experimental filmmaking, participants are encouraged to tell authentic and engaging stories that offer a window into the lives of Nigeria’s vibrant youth. With an exciting prize pool worth ₦2 million and the opportunity for visibility at one of Nigeria’s leading film festivals, the Zuma International Film Festival, this competition is a chance to showcase your talent on a national and international stage.
The EU in Nigeria Short Film Competition 2025 is open to all Nigerian youth who meet the following criteria: 1. Age: The competition is open to young Nigerians between the ages of 20 and 35 years. 2. Original Works: Entries must be original works created by the applicant(s). This ensures that all submissions are authentic and reflect the personal perspective of the filmmaker. 3. Film Length: Films must not exceed 3 minutes in length. This concise format challenges filmmakers to craft powerful and impactful stories in a short amount of time. 4. Film Style: The film can be narrative, documentary, or experimental in style, but it must be engaging, authentic, and align with the theme of the competition—“Being a Nigerian Youth.” 5. Theme: The film should creatively explore the realities, struggles, aspirations, resilience, and triumphs of Nigerian youth today. This is your chance to share a powerful story from your perspective or the world around you. 6. Platform for Expression: This competition provides a platform for young Nigerian filmmakers to express what it truly means to be a Nigerian youth through their unique lens. Whether it’s a personal story or a broader reflection of societal experiences, the film should be thought-provoking and impactful.
Prize
Winners of the 2025 EU in Nigeria Short Film Competition will be awarded exciting cash prizes to help support their creative journey. Here’s how the prize breakdown looks:
Winner: ₦1.5 million to support the winner’s future creative projects and film career.
First Runner-Up: ₦750,000, a great opportunity to further their filmmaking aspirations.
Second Runner-Up: ₦500,000 to support continued creative development.
In addition to the cash prizes, all winners will gain visibility, networking opportunities, and recognition at the prestigious Zuma International Film Festival. This is one of Nigeria’s leading film festivals, which will provide winners with an excellent platform to showcase their talents to a wider audience, including film industry professionals, critics, and enthusiasts.
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