From Juliana Taiwo-Obalonye, Abuja
Eze Izu Daniel has won the grand prize of the 2024 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) Short Film Challenge and Awards, held yeswterday night at Silverbird Cinema in Abuja.
His film, “Wasted”, triumphed over an impressive 2,249 entries from 119 countries, highlighting the global reach and significance of this initiative.
Wasted tackles the pressing issue of drug addiction among youths as depicted by a young character, who turned to substance use in a desperate attempt to overcome stage fright.
The film powerfully illustrates how a seemingly innocent pursuit for confidence can spirals into a devastating addiction that ultimately robs him of his purpose and sanity. This powerful narrative aligns with Goal 3 of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), which focuses on health and well-being.
Eze Izu Daniel’s victory exemplifies how film can transcend boundaries and inspire action towards achieving a sustainable future.
In his acceptance speech, Daniel expressed his gratitude for the recognition, stating, “I feel like the hard work is paying off gradually.” His victory not only showcased his talent but also underscores the importance of storytelling in raising awareness about critical social issues.
The event also recognized other outstanding films. Road Trip, directed by Victor Eyike in collaboration with Accelerate TV, was named the 1st runner-up, while Oke Tolulope’s Oke Okuta received accolades for its compelling storytelling.
In the international category, British Passport by Mahmood Pouyandah from Iran won Best International Film, and Imperishable by Akansha Tiwari from India took home the award for Best Documentary.
The Best Animation award went to Carbon Traces by Stafie Gan from the USA, while Alone by Stephen Shenboyejo won the Viewers’ Choice award.
The ceremony attracted a distinguished audience, including Elsie Attafuah, UN Resident/Humanitarian Coordinator a.i., who praised the event as a celebration of talent and innovation. Other notable attendees included Hon. Usman Bashir Zubairu, representing the Speaker of the House of Representatives; Hamza Baba; Imran Garba Duba, Senior Advisor to the President on Innovation; and Mrs. Winifred Shokpeka, FCT Coordinator for NYSC.
The grand finale marked the culmination of a year-long initiative led by the Office of the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Sustainable Development Goals (OSSAP-SDGs), in collaboration with the United Nations Information Centre (UNIC) and FreshNEWS Multimedia. This effort aimed to engage young filmmakers in a global campaign to raise awareness about the SDGs through creative storytelling.
The SDGs Short Film Challenge serves as an innovative platform designed to empower young filmmakers to spotlight developmental issues through sustainability-focused narratives.
Participants were encouraged to create impactful short films no longer than 15 minutes that not only entertain but also provoke critical conversations around achieving the SDGs.
In her keynote address, Senior Special Assistant to the President on SDGs, Adejoke Orelope-Adefulire, emphasised the importance of harnessing youth creativity to address global challenges.
“By harnessing the power of film and the creativity of our youth, we can shine a light on pressing issues and catalyse collective action,” she stated.
This year’s challenge saw a remarkable increase in participation compared to its inaugural edition in 2023, which attracted only 73 entries from Nigeria. The surge in global engagement reflects a growing recognition among young filmmakers of their role in advancing sustainable development.
The SDGs Short Film Challenge not only celebrates artistic expression but also serves as a vital step towards realizing the potential of young people in addressing socio-economic challenges through creative industries.