EU Reaffirms Support for Nigeria’s Film Scene as 537 Short Films Enter Competition

The European Union

The European Union has once again put its weight behind Nigeria’s creative industry, emphasising film as a tool for cultural dialogue, youth empowerment and global cooperation. The announcement came at the grand finale of the EU Short Film Competition during the 2025 Zuma International Film Festival in Abuja, where filmmakers from around the country gathered to celebrate short-form storytelling and fresh talent. 

This year’s competition drew an impressive 537 short film submissions, reflecting a surge in creative energy among Nigerian filmmakers and one of the highest participation levels in the initiative’s history. The nationwide call for entries, launched in September and closing in November, invited young storytellers to submit works that speak to themes relevant to contemporary life and cultural expression. 

EU Ambassador to Nigeria and ECOWAS, Gautier Mignot, used the occasion to underscore the bloc’s ongoing commitment to supporting platforms that nurture talent, amplify African narratives and deepen cultural cooperation between Europe and Nigeria. This reaffirmation aligns with broader EU backing for arts and culture, which has included multi-million euro initiatives to foster collaboration and capacity building across African creative sectors. 

A distinguished jury, including award-winning director Obi Emelonye and producer Prince Daniel (Aboki), shortlisted 15 standout films for screening at the festival’s finale. When deliberations concluded, Blindspot, directed by Angel Gabriel, took home the top prize of ₦1.5 million. First Runner-Up 1 Minute, by Xavier Achi, won ₦750,000, while Under the Sane Sky, directed by Victor Eze Onyebuchi, claimed ₦500,000 as Second Runner-Up. 

The event drew officials from the EU Delegation, the Belgian Embassy, leadership from the Nigerian Film Corporation and industry professionals, alongside students and emerging filmmakers. It wasn’t just a ceremony — it was a statement about the vibrancy and depth of Nigeria’s storytelling community, and the role external partnerships can play in expanding opportunities for rising creators.



Short film competitions have long been recognised as springboards for new voices in cinema. Initiatives like the EU Short Film Competition offer more than cash prizes; they provide visibility, mentorship and networking that can accelerate careers. As Nigeria’s film scene continues to grow in both scale and sophistication, collaborations like this make space for narratives that might otherwise go unheard.

For emerging filmmakers across the country, this year’s turnout — 537 entries strong — signals that passion for storytelling is thriving, and that international support remains a meaningful complement to local ecosystem development.