The IOM Nigeria Short Film Contest – Combating Trafficking in Persons (3rd Edition) is a dynamic, creativity-powered advocacy initiative led by the International Organization for Migration (IOM) Nigeria, in partnership with the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) and the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC). This edition builds upon the success of the 2023 and 2024 contests to harness the storytelling potential of Nigerian youth—resident citizens, refugees, asylum seekers, and stateless persons—to shed light on human trafficking’s root causes, prevalence, and consequences in Nigeria.
Films must be original short works produced from 1 January 2022 onwards, offering various creative formats such as drama, documentary, animation, music video, or experimental styles. The contest aims to deepen public consciousness around the multifaceted dimensions of trafficking, including forced labour, child exploitation, sex trafficking, modern slavery, online grooming, and refugee vulnerability. Each submission, with a maximum duration of 20 minutes including credits, must be filmed or edited by the entrant—they must hold an active creative role and secure informed consent from participants featured on camera to ensure ethical storytelling practices.
Participants under 35 years old create narratives that can educate, engage, and mobilize audiences against trafficking networks. The contest nurtures a new generation of storytellers committed to social impact and advocacy. Submitted films are judged by an expert panel that blends international and local expertise: IOM, UNHCR, UNODC, Nigeria’s National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP), the Federal Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development, and members of Nigeria’s film industry, commonly referred to as Nollywood.
Eligible films will also go through a public voting phase, with a “Popular Vote” prize awarded to the highest-rated film by audience engagement. An awards ceremony coinciding with World Day Against Trafficking in Persons (30 July 2025) will recognize winners, boost visibility, and encourage NGO partnerships, governmental support, and media attention. Finalists and winners receive cash prizes and in-kind awards to help them pursue future filmmaking or advocacy work. Beyond offering financial incentives, the contest aims to elevate public dialogue, influence policy, and strengthen survivor-focused prevention and support efforts.
Name of organizer
Requirement/Eligibility
Participants must meet all the following criteria:
Age and Status: Open to all youth under 35 years old, including Nigerian nationals, refugees, asylum-seekers, and stateless persons residing in Nigeria. The aim is an inclusive platform that reflects the experiences and creative talents of diverse Nigerian communities.
Active Production Role: Each entrant must be actively involved in producing their film—such as directing, writing, acting, editing, filming, or coordinating. Passive contributors are not eligible.
Originality: Entries must be original works produced on or after 1 January 2022. Remakes, repurposed materials from other contests, or re-used work is not allowed.
Duration: Must not exceed 20 minutes, including opening and closing credits.
Format Requirements: Films must be in HD format (.MOV or .MP4), with English subtitles—especially critical for dialogue or local languages—to enhance accessibility.
Genre and Focus: Storytelling formats can vary widely, but each film must focus on aspects of trafficking in persons in Nigeria. Acceptable themes include but are not limited to forced labour, sexual exploitation, child marriage, displacement, digital trafficking, trafficking prevention, survivor journeys, and systemic root causes.
Informed Consent: Any real individuals appearing on camera—particularly children or survivors—must have provided documented informed consent. Filmmakers are expected to adhere to ethical guidelines regarding vulnerability and privacy.
Collaborative Entries: Teams of multiple youths may collaborate on one film, provided each participant has an active creative role and joint submission is via a single online entry form.
Ethical Storytelling: Films must handle sensitive topics responsibly. Any depiction of violence, trauma, or exploitation requires thoughtful framing and ethical safeguards.
Geographic Requirement: The film production must involve participants living and working in Nigeria, with at least one key creative contributor based within the country.
Prize
Prizes are designed to both reward excellence and support further creative activity:
Popular Vote: US $2,000 awarded to the most publicly voted film, fostering community engagement and outreach.
Visibility and Reach: – All winners receive press exposure through national and social media channels. – Films screened at awareness events, film festivals, NGO roundtables, and policy forums. – Invitation to partner with IOM, UNHCR, and UNODC in anti-trafficking initiatives.
Networking and Mentorship: – Finalists may be invited to storytelling workshops, mentorship sessions with experienced filmmakers, or pitch their ideas to funders. – Emerging filmmakers build connections with civil society leaders and creative industry figures, offering paths to future projects.
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