Application Deadline: 11 July 2025
LOCATION: Nigeria
Theme: Human trafficking is organized crime—end the exploitation. 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 on progress 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-centered approach.
BENEFIT:
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 reflect 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.
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.
Multiple youths can work together on one video and submit the final product as a single entry for their group work.
BENEFIT:
First prize: $2500
Second prize: $1500
Third prize: $1,000
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