Young Nigerian filmmakers now have a rare chance to win big while creating awareness about a serious issue affecting communities across the country. The International Organization for Migration (IOM) has officially announced the third edition of its Short Film Contest on Combating Trafficking in Persons in Nigeria.
The contest provides a creative platform for young Nigerians to participate in the global movement against inequality, exploitation, and abuse. This year’s theme is “Human Trafficking is Organized Crime: End the Exploitation.”
Speaking on the importance of the initiative, an IOM official said, “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.”
Participants stand a chance to win huge cash rewards:
First place: $2,500
Second place: $1,500
Third place: $1,000
This contest is part of IOM’s broader work on migration, media engagement, and human rights awareness in West Africa.
Who Can Apply
The contest is open to all Nigerians under the age of 35 who have a strong interest in human trafficking, the human rights of migrants, social justice, and related topics. The organisers stress that the short film must reflect the thoughts and creative input of young people.
“While the people appearing in the video can be of any age,” IOM stated, “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.”
Eligible participants must be directly involved in the film’s creation—whether as a director, writer, actor, camera operator, or editor. This hands-on participation makes the entry valid for the contest.
Participants must submit a short film of under 26 minutes that tells a compelling story about counter-trafficking in Nigeria. The format is flexible, entries can be animation, documentary, music video, drama, or even comedy, as long as the message addresses the theme and inspires critical thought about human trafficking.
Films should preferably be submitted in HD format (1920×1080) and saved as either MOV (preferred) or MP4 files. Finalists may be asked to provide a digital version of the film for screening purposes.
All entries must be submitted no later than 11 July 2025.
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How to Apply
To apply, participants are required to complete an online registration form: https://forms.office.com/e/sgp4WQQVTN. Entries must be submitted through a video streaming platform, such as YouTube, with the video set to public or unlisted. Private videos will not be accepted. The video link must be pasted into the registration form.
Incomplete applications will be disqualified. Entrants are urged to double-check their submission to avoid errors.