From Adanna Nnamani, Abuja
The Joint European Union-United Nations Spotlight Initiative, in collaboration with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), and in partnership with the Foundation for Resilient Empowerment and Development (FRED), is set to release a Nigerian Film which addresses the protracted issue of Gender-Based Violence fGBV), to the viewing public.
The film titled “Deafening Silence” is a Feature Length Film, comprising 8 Episode Limited Series, and 44 Episode TV Series.
The Trailer of the Star-studded Film which seeks to spark deep conversations and create further awareness-around gender social norms and its challenges and the societal impact of GBV on women and girls, was unveiled to the media and key stakeholders recently in Abuja.
It highlights critical and important aspects of the movie that will keep Nigerians on edge, agitate their mind, and evoke important lessons about GBV issues in our society. It showed moments of reflection, sober mood, anger, and scenes that will stimulate the peoples unwavering support and resolution to join hands in the fight against the scourge.
In his opening address at the trailer reveal, the Deputy Resident Representative (UNDP), Mr. Blessed Chimrimuta said that the the intervention sought to challenge and reshape prevailing gender norms not only in Nigeria but beyond.
Acording to him, “It is a movie in search to deliver a compelling and thought-provoking moments that will serve as a catalyst for sparking wider conversation around gender inequality, and gender violence, against women.”
The UN Resident Coordinator in Nigeria, Mattias Schmale, in his own remark expressed satisfaction for being part of the intervention against GBV, which is a priority for his organisation. He emphasised the need to find better ways of communicating and engaging the people on the issue of GBV.
On her part, the Deputy Head of Mission, EU Delegation to Nigeria and ECOWAS, Zissimos Vergos, emphasized that gender based violence is a global problem. He said that there is evidence to show that one in every three women out there is subjected to physical, sexual, or any other form of violence, in their lifetime. He affirmed that in the 21st century gender inequality remains among the key drivers of poverty and this undermines cohesion and balance in our society.
In her overview of the Film “Deafening Silence” Onyinye Belinda Ndubuisi, UNDP Gender and Human Rights Lead, stated that this film is to showcase to the world the transformative result chain Intervention Nigeria is capable of doing.
“Anchoring on the UNDP Human Development Report on Gender and Social Norms, there is a need to showcase what we are doing globally. We know that there are different types of gender-based violence, and we also understand that to change norms requires time – so it is not an overnight venture.” She said.
According to Onyinye, the film is weaved through a carefully crafted narrative and dynamic characters, as the project intends to engage viewers emotionally and intellectually, leaving a lasting impact.
The aim, she said, is to capture the imagination and attention of the target audience, providing an enthralling and memorable viewing experience, while spotlighting the vices surrounding GBV.
The Film directed by Biodun Stephen Stars the Best of Nollywood – including but not limited to Toni Tones, Kate Henshaw, Femi Jacobs, Daniel Etim Effiong, Chidi Mokeme, and Bimbo Akintola. Others in the Blockbuster Film are Debby Felix and Ekamma Etim-Inyang. It also features Abiodun Adebayo as the Editor; Biodun Stephen as Director; and Eemem Isong Misodi as Producer.
The movie which tells the horrible story of the social impact of GBV and its effect on people, families, and society in general, will be available in cinemas and selected TV stations as a series.