The EU Deputy Ambassador to Nigeria, Pedro Saraiva, has emphasized that art remains a vital form of human expression and a powerful tool for advancing human rights globally.

Speaking at the grand finale of the European Short Film Competition in Abuja, Mr. Saraiva highlighted the European Union’s commitment to multilateralism and its active support for human rights platforms, including Nigeria’s recent election to the United Nations Human Rights Commission.

“Art in general is always a form of expression and perhaps the most important form of expression for any human being,” Mr. Saraiva said, noting that the competition gives up-and-coming filmmakers space to explore complex social issues.

This year’s edition of the festival centered on the theme “Reimagining Africa’s Storytelling for Transformation”.

Co-founder and writer-producer Bright Obasi explained that the festival seeks to challenge prevailing narratives that focus solely on the continent’s weaknesses, urging filmmakers to project Africa’s true potential.

“We want Africans to start thinking of themselves as who they can be, not the circumstances they find themselves in,” Mr. Obasi said. “Don’t just tell a story of what the circumstances are; tell the story of what Africa’s potency is.”

Mr. Obasi noted that the selection process was intentionally rigorous to ensure that screened films drive meaningful societal dialogue rather than mere entertainment.

The festival featured diverse entries touching on cybercrime, fraud, electoral matters, and public health, culminating in high-profile screenings and post-screening panel discussions with international organizations, human rights commissions, and diplomatic embassies to foster policy and behavioral change.