EU, Zuma Film Festival Unveil 2025 Short Film Competition for Young Nigerian Filmmakers

EU, Zuma Film Festival Unveil 2025 Short Film Competition for Young Nigerian Filmmakers

The European Union (EU) Delegation to Nigeria and ECOWAS, in partnership with the Zuma International Film Festival, has announced the 2025 edition of the EU Short Film Competition, designed to spotlight emerging Nigerian filmmakers.

According to a press release by the EU Delegation, the initiative seeks to deepen participants’ understanding of modern filmmaking while exposing them to contemporary industry trends. The competition is open exclusively to Nigerian youths aged 18 to 35, with entries required to align with the theme: “Being a Nigerian Youth – Storytelling for Life and Creative Journeys of Nigerian Youth in Today’s World.”

Participants are expected to submit short films not exceeding three minutes in length. Entries in indigenous languages are welcome, provided they include English subtitles.

The release further disclosed that the top ten entries will be screened at the Zuma International Film Festival. Winners will be unveiled at the event, with the top prize set at ₦1.5 million, while the first and second runners-up will receive ₦750,000 and ₦500,000 respectively.

Beyond monetary rewards, the ten finalists will benefit from mentorship opportunities, professional networking, and constructive feedback from leading voices in Nigeria’s film industry.

Organizers noted that submissions would be judged on thematic focus, storyline, creativity, message delivery, picture, and sound quality. Each filmmaker is limited to one entry, and all submissions must be made within the stated deadline.

This year’s edition builds on the success of the competition’s debut in 2024, underscoring the EU’s recognition of film as a vital instrument for social change and cultural dialogue.

For more details on participation, interested youths are encouraged to visit @euinnigeria and @hdfilmacademy on Instagram or log on to www.hdfilmacademy.com.