The Joint European Union-United Nations Spotlight Initiative, together with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and the Foundation for Resilient Empowerment and Development (FRED), has unveiled the trailer for an impactful Nigerian film tackling the pervasive issue of Gender-Based Violence (GBV).
The film, titled “Deafening Silence,” is set to captivate audiences through its Feature Length Film, comprising an 8-Episode Limited Series and a 44-Episode TV Series.
The star-studded trailer, presented at the United Nations Auditorium in Abuja last Tuesday, aims to spark deep conversations and raise awareness about gender social norms, the challenges they pose, and the societal impact of GBV on women and girls.
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It showcased poignant moments, invoking reflection, a somber mood, and scenes designed to galvanize unwavering support against this societal scourge.
At the trailer reveal, Blessed Chimrimuta, Deputy Resident Representative of UNDP, emphasized the initiative’s alignment with Nigeria’s government plans and the EU-UN Gender Action Points. He underscored that “Deafening Silence” is not merely entertainment but a compelling effort to instigate conversations around gender inequality and violence against women.
Mattias Schmale, the UN Resident Coordinator in Nigeria, expressed satisfaction in contributing to the intervention against GBV, emphasizing the importance of finding effective ways to communicate and engage people on human rights issues. He stressed the protection of human rights, particularly for vulnerable groups like women and children.
Zissimos Vergos, Deputy Head of Mission, EU Delegation to Nigeria and ECOWAS, highlighted the global prevalence of gender-based violence, emphasizing its role as a key driver of poverty and societal imbalance. The Director General of the National Broadcasting Commission, Mr. Charles Ebuebe, commended the initiative and pledged support to address the challenges of ineffective laws and sociocultural barriers.
Onyinye Belinda Ndubuisi, UNDP Gender and Human Rights Lead, provided an overview of “Deafening Silence,” explaining its carefully chosen title and its role in showcasing Nigeria’s transformative interventions. She emphasized the film’s five-year plan and called for collaborative efforts to address gender-based violence comprehensively.
Fielding questions, Ndubuisi highlighted the film’s focus on various instances of abuse and injustice, from rape to human trafficking, underscoring the role of agencies in supporting victims.
Directed by Biodun Stephen, the film stars Nollywood luminaries such as Toni Tones, Kate Henshaw, Femi Jacobs, Daniel Etim Effiong, Chidi Mokeme, and Bimbo Akintola.
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With a commitment to artistic quality and innovative storytelling techniques, “Deafening Silence” aims to deliver a compelling cinematic experience while addressing the critical issue of GBV.
The film, portraying the social impact of GBV on individuals, families, and society, will soon hit cinemas and selected TV stations as a series.
Its primary goal is to inform, educate, and contribute to curbing the pervasive issue of Gender-Based Violence in Nigeria.
