Mrs Edesili Anani, Coordinator of the Office of the First Lady of Edo, the Queen Consort of the Warri Kingdom, Olori Atuwatse III and veteran filmmaker and actor, Zack Orji were honoured at the third edition of the SDGs short film challenge and awards grand finale 2025 held on Tuesday 9th December in Abuja.
They were recognized for their contributions to sustainable development and the entertainment industry.
The event with the theme: “Film as a catalyst for sustainable development: reimagining the future we want through the screen” was organised by the United Nations Information Centre (UNIC) , Office of the Senior Special Assistant to the President on SDGs and FRESH NEWS MULTI MEDIA Group.
Speaking after being conferred with the award of excellence, Mrs Anani noted that the event was a demonstration of the fact that the cinema is not just about entertainment, but advocacy, education, mobilisation and ultimately a catalyst for transformative change.
“In adjusting it, we have embraced the same spirit of action and innovation as we work tirelessly to accelerate the implementation of the SDGs. While they tell the stories of our culture, our pride, our heritage through the lenses of their cameras, I encourage all filmmakers here today to continue using creative voices as a force for good.
“As we look to the future, let us remember that achieving the SDGs is not the responsibility of government alone, it requires the collective efforts of citizens, who refuse to give up on the idea of a better world,” Anani said.
Also, Olori Atuwatse III, stressed telling good stories could inspire community development, create a movement or simply whisper to one person to know he or she is not alone and that things can get better.
“This is the power that you carry and that is also why I want to speak to the policy makers here today. The development partners, corporate leaders and philanthropists in this room.
“We all talk about investing in infrastructure, roads, power and technology, but we need to begin to talk just as much about investing in storytelling. If we want to truly accelerate the SDGs, we need filmmakers,” Atuwatse said.
Also, speaking at the event, the United Nations Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator, Mr Mohamed Fall, has reiterated the global body’s commitment to supporting filmmaking to advance SDGs in Nigeria.
He also called on policymakers, private sector and partners to invest in film stories to accelerate the achievement of the SDGs in Nigeria.
“ Less than five years remain to 2030 and this is time to attain the SDGs, yet the path we are today is not straight, inequality persists across the globe; Poverty remains, our climate crimes are under direct action and the world is waiting for us to step-up.”
“Film is a mirror of our society, a voice for the voiceless, a spark for action, a short film can inspire, and provoke empathy. It can ignite debate, change policy and shift behaviours.
“Since the first edition in 2023, the SDG short film has grown from 73 entries in 2005 to 2,250 entries on 114 entries in 2024 and surged to 2,265 entries on 114 entries this year.
“This is the proof that the world is listening. They are calls to action. They remind us that when creativity meets purpose, change happens, film can inspire audiences to advocate for equality and justice.
The UN in Nigeria stands with filmmakers. We invest in your talent. We amplify your voice. We support your journey.
“We cannot do it alone. policymakers, private-sector partners should also invest in films. Fund them and let them reach every corner of our society; through film we can turn ideas into action, dream into realities, and ensure we leave no one behind,” he said.
Also speaking at the event, Princess Adejoke Orelope-Adefulire, Senior Special Assistant to the President on SDGs described the event as a celebration of creativity, innovations and the power of young Nigerians to shape national conversation around sustainable development.
“The challenge was conceived to build platforms, to tell compelling stories that reflect collective aspirations under the 2030 agenda: the quality of entries demonstrated good understanding that our country is rich in talents.
“Your contribution highlighted the role of storytelling and creating awareness, influencing policy and mobilising communities toward accelerating SDGs.
“As we celebrate the winners, let us also reaffirm our commitment to building more inclusive, equitable and sustainable Nigeria, one where no one is left behind.”
Veteran actor, filmmaker and entertainment consultant, Zach Orji was also recognized for his contributions to the growth of the film sector and one of the industry’s foremost global ambassadors at the award ceremony spiced with special musical and other performances.
William Ameh, a Quantity Surveying graduate turned filmmaker carted away the star prize with his film “Scar,” that spotlighted the negative effects of child and forced marriage on the society at the event/
Ameh’s ‘Scar’ beat the 2,265 entries submitted from across the world to win the grand prize and the N1 million cash reward.
Also, Toll Free, an entry by Mel Rouge of Big Lead Africa came second while My Reality by Lex None was the second runner up. They received cash rewards of N500, 000 and N350, 000 respectively for their efforts. Also, Let’s Unite and The Rise (A Journey to Africa’s Financial Independence) submitted by Egyptian Mohamed Fahim and David Akwara from Nigeria won in the Best Foreign Film and Best Documentary Film (Africa) respectively.
On the other hand, Flowing Sustainability: The Gray Water by Shyam Ma of United Arab Emirates won in the Best Documentary Film (International) category while Silent Screams, an entry by Diane Eyo-enoette of Delta State won in the Best Film (State Category}. An Italians, Baptiste Salvan won the best animation award with his entry, Ziki while Deodar- Roots of Paradise, an entry by an Indian, Dr. Aijaz Ahmad Khan was declared the Viewer’s Choice.
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