International Organization for Migration (IOM) Short Film Contest 2025 for young Nigerian filmmakers ($USD 5,000 prize)

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Applications are open for International Organization for Migration (IOM) Short Film Contest 2025. 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 Human trafficking is Organized Crime – End the Exploitation underscoring the vital role of law enforcement and the criminal justice system in dismantling organized trafficking networks while ensuring a victim-centred approach.

As part of its national campaign against trafficking in persons, the International Organization for Migration (IOM) is delighted to announce the Third 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.

IOM Short Film Contest Scope

Theme: Human trafficking is Organized Crime – End the Exploitation

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.
It aims to amplify voices and narratives that contribute to the fight against trafficking in persons in Nigeria, and to ignite a dialogue among key actors on how we can work better together to address trafficking in persons before, during and after the fact.
During its inaugural edition in 2023, 56 entries were received from young Nigerian filmmakers and four prizes were awarded by a jury of experts in migration, counter-trafficking, film, and media.
Short Film Contest on Combating Trafficking in Persons in Nigeria

Awards

The contest plans to award prizes as follows:

First prize: $2500
Second prize: $1500
Third prize: $1,000

Eligibility Criteria for IOM Short Film Contest

The IOM Short Film Contest is open to all young Nigerians 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.

How To Apply

Film entries must be:
- 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
- Submitted with English subtitles.
- Produced after 1 January 2023.
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.
To submit a video for consideration, you must first complete the online registration form. Please provide all of the required information. Incomplete submissions will lead to disqualification. The form will ask you to submit your film through a video-streaming website (YouTube). The participant will be asked to include the URL of the video in the online form. The entrant must ensure that the video link is accessible and not private.

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Applications Deadline: 11 July 2025