Theme of the 2024 Short Film Contest

Each year, the world commemorates the global fight against trafficking in persons on 30 July during World Day against Trafficking in Persons. The commemoration provides the opportunity for all fringes of society – from artists to decision-makers – to come together to reflect around progresses and challenges made in addressing trafficking in persons. This year, this global campaign will be marked around the theme 'Leave No Child Behind in the Fight Against Human Trafficking'.

Children are twice as likely to face violence during trafficking than adults, according to the UNODC's Global Report on Trafficking in Persons (GLOTIP). Amid overlapping crises such as armed conflicts, pandemics, economic hardships, and environmental challenges, children are increasingly vulnerable to trafficking. Furthermore, the proliferation of online platforms poses additional risks as children often connect to these sites without adequate safeguards. Traffickers exploit online platforms, social media, and the dark web to recruit and exploit children, utilizing technology to evade detection, reach wider audiences, and disseminate exploitative content.

As part of national initiatives against trafficking in persons, the International Organization for Migration (IOM), the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) and the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) in Nigeria are delighted to announce the Second Edition of the Short Film Contest On Combating Trafficking In Persons In Nigeria. Launched in 2023, the contest is one of IOM’s flagship initiatives in Nigeria aimed at galvanizing youth and creative actors in the global fight against inequality, exploitation, and abuse.

This contest offers platforms for young Nigerian filmmakers and film enthusiasts to actively engage with this pressing issue and contribute to positive change within their communities and beyond.

Who can participate?

The Short Film Contest is open to ALL young persons resident in Nigeria (including refugees, asylum-seekers, and stateless persons) under 35 years old with a keen interest in the cross-cutting issues of counter trafficking, human rights of migrants, media, and social justice among others.  

While the people appearing in the video/film can be of any age, it is important that the film reflects the thoughts and opinions of the young filmmaker(s) about different forms of trafficking in persons and counter trafficking. The person submitting the video (“the participant”) must be actively involved in its making, e.g., either as a director, writer, camera operator, editor, actor, coordinator, etc.

What’s the rule on data collection, privacy, and consent?

The entrants must ensure that everyone appearing in the submitted film has signed a consent to be filmed, including actors in fictional films and real characters in documentaries. Informed consent can be a short statement confirming the individual has granted his/her consent for their image to appear in the production. It requires telling a person exactly how their information or image will be used, ensuring that they understand what they are agreeing to, and that they are not consenting under pressure or duress. All films submitted to the contest will be critically examined and vetted on the topic of ‘informed consent’, if needed, before entering the contest.

Can we submit a video as group work?

Yes! Multiple youths can work together on one video and submit the final product as a single entry for their group work.

What type of videos (short film) do you consider? What is the required format?

Film entries must be:

1. Under twenty (26) minutes in length, including title(s) and opening/closing credits. If an entry is slightly below or above the aforementioned time limit, it will be reviewed and evaluated on a case-to-case basis.

2. Submitted with English subtitles.

3. Produced after 1 January 2022.

In addition, film entries can be of any genre (animation, documentary, music video, comedy, etc.) as long as they have the potential to make the audience think in constructive ways about the theme of combating human trafficking in Nigeria. If selected, entrants must be prepared to submit a digital copy of their video in either of the following formats: MOV (preferred), or MP4. HD is preferred (1920×1080), but not required.

What’s the deadline to submit my video?

Submissions must be completed by 23 June 2024.