“Every story challenges stereotypes and reinforces our vision of One Humanity, where everyone belongs. I invite young creatives to use the power of storytelling to contribute to this vital dialogue.” — Mr. Miguel Ángel Moratinos, Under-Secretary-General and High Representative for UNAOC

New York, 1 April 2025 – Highlighting the power of young people as agents of social change, the United Nations Alliance of Civilizations (UNAOC) and the International Organization for Migration (IOM) are excited to announce the 2025 edition of the PLURAL+ Youth Video Festival.

The UN festival is inviting filmmakers worldwide under the age of 25 to submit short films that address social issues. This year, PLURAL+ will continue to highlight key themes including migration and social inclusion, while spotlighting diverse perspectives. It will also introduce two new special categories: Combating Xenophobia and Discrimination, and Promoting Responsible Narratives on Migration.

“As we launch the 2025 edition of PLURAL+, I am inspired by the power of young filmmakers to reshape narratives on migration, celebrate pluralism, and promote social inclusion,” said Mr. Miguel Ángel Moratinos, Under-Secretary-General and High Representative for UNAOC. “Every story challenges stereotypes and reinforces our vision of One Humanity, where everyone belongs. I invite young creatives to use the power of storytelling to contribute to this vital dialogue.” he added.

“Artists have a unique ability to shift perspectives and spark change that can improve people’s lives,” said Ms. Amy Pope, IOM Director General. “I hope every young creative person out there will see PLURAL+ as an opportunity to tell an important migration story in a new way, to promote understanding and constructive dialogue, and help ensure that the voices of all people are heard, valued, and respected.”

Now in its 17th edition, PLURAL+ encourages young people worldwide to use innovative storytelling — whether through narrative fiction, documentary, animation, or any other form — to challenge stereotypes, foster dialogue, and advocate for social cohesion. Submissions should have the potential to make the audience think in constructive ways about cross-cutting social issues pertaining, but not limited to, upholding human rights, tackling racism and discrimination, as well as promoting dialogue and mutual understanding.

“Artists have a unique ability to shift perspectives and spark change that can improve people’s lives.” — Ms. Amy Pope, IOM Director General

Three videos, one for each of the age categories (12 years old and under; 13 to 17 years old; and 18 to 25 years old) will receive PLURAL+ 2025 International Jury Distinctions.

The two Special Recognitions this year will be:

  • The Special Recognition for Combating Xenophobia and Discrimination, for a video that promotes mutual respect and highlights global issues of xenophobia and discrimination. This includes discrimination based on ethnicity, religion or belief, including antisemitism, Christianophobia, Islamophobia, and other forms of intolerance against other religions and faiths.
  • The Special Recognition for Responsible Narratives on Migration for a video portraying the efforts aimed at tackling online misinformation and disinformation affecting migrants, while promoting ethical storytelling and dissemination of accurate, fact-based information from reliable sources.

Selected films will be showcased at the PLURAL+ Annual Ceremony, which is scheduled at the end of this year, and will be broadcast live through UN Web TV and streamed live on the PLURAL+ website. During the Ceremony, young filmmakers will have the opportunity to present their work to a global audience.

The deadline to submit videos to the 17th edition of PLURAL+ is Saturday, 15 June, at 05:00pm EDT (New York time).

The full details and eligibility criteria are available here. To submit a video, click here.

For inquiries, please contact:
Doğan Aşık, Strategic Partnership Consultant, UNAOC (dogana@unops.org)
Carlos Fernández, Project Management Support – Senior Assistant, UNAOC (carlosfe@unops.org)
Rahma Gamil Soliman, Media and Communications Officer, IOM Office at the UN (rsoliman@iom.int)