Abuja — 10 December 2025
The environmental documentary Deodar, directed by Dr. Aijaz Ahmad Khan, has achieved a historic success at the SDGs Short Film Challenge & Awards 2025 held today in Abuja, Nigeria. The film was honoured in multiple categories, earning Grand Jury recognition, Best Viewers’ Film, and special accolades for its impactful storytelling on Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) — marking a major international milestone for the Kashmiri production.
Organised by the United Nations Information Centre (UNIC), the Office of the Senior Special Assistant to the President on SDGs (OSSAP-SDGs), and FreshNEWS Multimedia, the SDGs Short Film Challenge is a prestigious global platform showcasing films that address one or more of the 17 SDGs. The competition attracts entries from over 140 countries, with its grand finale held at the NA Conference Centre and Suites, Abuja. This year’s event highlighted the power of creativity in advancing sustainable development through visual storytelling.
Deodar, directed by Dr. Aijaz Ahmad Khan, stood out for its powerful exploration of environmental conservation and cultural identity. The film captured global attention for its message, cinematography, and emotional depth. During the grand function, it not only received a Grand Jury Award but also clinched the Best Views / Viewers’ Choice Award on the official SDGs Short Film Challenge platforms — reflecting exceptional engagement across social media and the festival’s TV partner networks.
The award recognises films that successfully engage wide audiences in SDG themes through compelling narratives and strong visual impact. Winners are chosen by an international jury panel and through viewer engagement metrics such as views, likes, and social media traction.
This achievement adds to Deodar’s expanding global footprint following its earlier acclaim at environmental film festivals in the USA, recent screenings in the UK, and recognition at international events across Brazil, Egypt, Canada, and Europe. The film continues to drive conversations on ecological preservation, cultural roots, youth awareness, and sustainable living — aligning closely with the spirit of the United Nations 2030 Agenda.
Speaking about the honour, Director Dr. Aijaz Ahmad Khan expressed gratitude for the recognition, emphasizing the importance of global platforms in amplifying culturally rooted stories with universal relevance. Coverage of Deodar’ssuccess is now gaining strong momentum across SDG social media channels and partner broadcast platforms, further extending its reach and influence.
About the SDGs Short Film Challenge & Awards
Launched with support from the United Nations and Nigerian partners, this international film challenge encourages filmmakers worldwide to create impactful short films (up to 15 minutes) that promote awareness and action toward sustainable development. Entries are evaluated on creativity, thematic relevance, storytelling strength, production quality, and audience engagement.
