7th June, 2024
By Taiwo Okanlawon
European Union (EU) in partnership with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), has premiered a new movie, ‘Defeaning Silence‘, in Victoria Island, Lagos.
The movie which was produced as an intervention against gender-based violence by EU and UNDP), was directed by Nigerian filmmaker, Biodun Stephen.
At the premiere, Ruben Aguilera, the acting head of the cooperation team leader of the EU, said the movie is aimed to provoke change by “opening a debate about the effects of gender-based violence”.
“What we want to achieve is basically to raise awareness and to make sure that we reach out to every corner of Nigeria to break the silence and to open a debate about the effects of gender-based violence and trying to bring change,” he said.
“Change is possible. By leveraging the creative industries and the power of Nollywood, we want to reach every family, every household, and every corner of Nigeria. We want people to speak up and question the status quo.”
He also revealed that ‘Deafening Silence’ will be screened for free in selected cinemas in Nigeria.
‘Deafening Silence’ is a gripping tale that explores various aspects of sexual-gender-based violence including sexual harassment, child abuse, and the importance of raising boys to respect women.
The movie featured Kate Henshaw, Bimbo Akintola, Chidi Mokeme, Daniel Etim-Effiong, and Femi Jacobs.