The Ethiopian Human Rights Commission (EHRC) has commenced its 3rd film and photography competition, an initiative that has been ongoing since 2021/22. The competition aims to showcase short films and photography exhibitions during the annual Human Rights Film Festival.

According to a statement from the EHRC, the competition will center around the themes of “the right to life and the right to adequate housing,” which are significant concerns in Ethiopia. The institute has allocated prize money for the winners, with 40,000 ETB, 30,000 ETB, and 20,000 ETB awarded to the first, second, and third-place winners in the photography category, respectively. Additionally, the first, second, and third-place winners in the mobile film category will receive 50,000 ETB, 40,000 ETB, and 30,000 ETB, while the first, second, and third-place winners of the short documentary or fiction film category will be granted 150,000 ETB, 100,000 ETB, and 120,000 ETB, respectively.

The Ethiopian Human Rights Film Festival, which aligns with the themes of the competition, centers on the right to life and the right to adequate housing. This year’s festival holds particular significance as it coincides with the 75th anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, observed on December 10, 2023.

Daniel Bekele, Commissioner of EHRC, emphasized the festival’s role in inspiring artists towards a better vision and fostering collaboration for a common purpose. The competition is open to both governmental and non-governmental institutions, media and communication organizations, as well as civil society organizations. It welcomes the participation of individuals from these sectors to contribute their unique perspectives.