The Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian Film Corporation (NFC), Dr Ali Nuhu, has said no fewer than 3,120 film submissions have been received by the corporation, in response to the upcoming 14th edition of the Zuma International Film Festivals (ZUFF), slated for December 1 to December 5 in Abuja.
Nuhu said this on Tuesday in Abuja at a media conference and official logo unveiling of the festival, with the theme, ‘Digital Renaissance: Embracing the Future’, which he said will be a landmark celebration of film, culture and digital transformation.
He said, “NFC, this year, has highlighted the transformative power of digital technology in filmmaking, with over 3,120 films submissions from countries including Nigeria, Iran, India, USA, Spain, and France.
“The annual festival as a platform that facilitates the promotion of Nigeria’s cultural values and creative economy. Today’s event marks a significant milestone in our journey toward enhancing Nigeria’s vibrant film industry (Nollywood) through the flagship event of the festival. We reaffirm our commitment to stakeholders, the government, as well as their global partners.”
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He commended the Minister of Arts, Culture, and the Creative Economy, Barrister Hannatu Musa Musawa, for her unwavering support towards the festival, as well as the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA), for being a major co-hosting partner.
He also commended the FCT minister, Barrister Nyesom Wike, and Minister of State FCT, Dr Mariya Mahmoud, for providing an enabling environment for the festival.
Nuhu announced Stephanie Okereke-Linus, an award-winning actress, as the Head of Jury for ZUFF 2024, saying her creative engagement had inspired many within and beyond their shores.
Also speaking, the Minister of Tourism, Mrs Lola Ade-John, said the relationship between tourism and creative economy could not be over-emphasised because of their vital contribution in generating income that would have impact on the country’s GDP.
“My prayer is that the films that are produced in Nigeria will be recognised globally and win Oscar awards as well. Nigeria has been producing movies in CDs, about 10 to 12 a day, until things changed, especially when Funke Akindele came out with ‘Jenifa’, she did an amazing job,” she said.
Also, the Minister of Art, Culture and the Creative Economy, Barrister Hannatu Musa Musawa, flagging off the 2024 Zuma International Film Festival, commended the NFC for the sustainability and improvement of each edition of the festival, and that film festivals and markets provide unique opportunities for various players to impact the local film industry.
“Film festivals are critical to fostering collaboration and enabling the development and commercialisation of projects. It brings international focus to the local industry and helps cement our place on the global map. No major filmmaking country exists without an internationally renowned top-tier film festival.
“For this reason, we are committed to investing in ZUMA to ensure that it presents the highest level of excellence in film and leads the charge in cementing Nigeria as a critical filmmaking destination,” Musawa said.
She also said the Zuma Film Festival will achieve sustainable growth, job creation and investment promotion.
“The Zuma International Film Festival (ZIFF) demonstrates our unwavering commitment to delivering critical developmental initiatives for a more vibrant film industry. Nigeria’s film industry is a diverse and vibrant ecosystem that reflects the richness of our culture and offers a unique opportunity for us to tell our stories to the world.
“As we strive to promote and develop the nation’s film industry through digital transformation and innovation, we are optimistic that this year’s edition, ‘Digital Renaissance: Embracing the Future’, will provide an opportunity to reflect on the rapid digital advancements shaping the film industry. These technologies transform how films are created, distributed, and consumed globally, creating immense opportunities for Nigeria and Africa to take the lead in this evolving ecosystem,” she said.
Earlier, the Festival Director, Halima Oyelade, in her welcome address, said ZUFF had evolved into a global platform, bringing together filmmakers, industry professionals, and film lovers to showcase the best of African and international cinema.
She said, “Our theme this year, “Digital Renaissance: Embracing the Future,” captures the transformative power of the digital age, focusing on how young creatives can leverage technology to shape their futures.
“This theme celebrates the fusion of creativity and innovation, highlighting opportunities for job creation, wealth generation, and positioning filmmakers at the forefront of global trends.”
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