The Nigerian Film Corporation (NFC) has announced Mr Ejike Asiegbu, a veteran actor and filmmaker, as the Chairman of the eight-member jury to adjudicate on all entries in the competition category of Zuma Film Festival (ZUFF) scheduled for December 1 to 5 in Abuja.
Mr Brian Etuk, NFC’s Director of Public Affairs, said this in a statement on Friday in Abuja.
According to Etuk, Asiegbu will lead eight other Nigerian and foreign filmmakers as the jury for the 15th edition of Zuma International Film Festival.
Asiegbu, a former President of the Actors Guild of Nigeria (AGN) and presently an Executive Director of the Actors Charity Foundation (ACF), is expected to bring his wealth of experience as Chairman of the jury and that of other members to select winners for the coveted prizes of the film festival.
The renowned actor, also a board member of the Audio Visual Rights Society of Nigeria (AVRS), happens to be one of the most consistent documentarists of Nigeria’s vibrant movie industry, committed to Nigeria’s arts, theatre, and film development.
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Etuk said, “Asiegbu is a veteran Nollywood actor, director, and producer celebrated for his outstanding contributions to the growth and professionalism of Nigeria’s film industry.
“A thespian of the University of Port Harcourt with over four decades’ experience, numerous film projects, and featured in more than 250 Nigerian movies, including ‘Oscar Heman-Ackah’s blockbuster ‘Finding Messiah’, among others.
” The actor’s acting and storyline development skills, including being a culture activist, media consultant, motivational speaker, and advocate for good governance, gender balance, justice, equity, and human rights, make him a towering pioneer of Nigeria’s Nollywood.
“Other jurists are Dr Mohammed Ghazala from Egypt, Mr Gilbert Agbor from Cameroun, Prof. Vincensia Shule from Tanzania, Mr Hafizu Bello – Nigeria, Mr Rasmesh Raparthi – India, Abdulkareem Baba Aminu – Nigeria, Fari Elysian –Russia, and Oskar Alegra from Spain,” Etuk said.
He quoted Dr Ali Nuhu, NFC’s Managing Director and Chairman, Festival Organising Committee, as saying that the jury remained most critical to the emergence of winners for the competitive category of entries.
According to him, the credentials of members qualify them to be on the film festival jury, having contributed immensely to the growth of film production globally.
“Their commitments to the development of film projects that have transformed storytelling into soft power and global influence are commendable.
“The 2025 edition of the film festival has been curated to offer wider and more inclusive opportunities for filmmakers and other stakeholders to further conversations on the strategic role of cinema in soft power diplomacy and creative economic growth.
“The shaping of global perceptions, strengthening partnerships, fostering cultural exchanges, and the need to develop strategic policies that will enhance film production, distribution, exhibition, and funding mechanisms are some of the features of ZUMA 2025,” he said.
The submission of film entries had earlier opened on June 4 and closed on Friday, Sept. 5.
The Theme for ZUMA 2025 is “Storytelling for Global Influence: Film as a Soft Power and Economic Force”.
Zuma International Film Festival 2025 awards categories include: Best Picture, Best Cinematography, Best Director, Best Animation/Cartoon, Best Actress/Supporting Actress, Best Actor/Supporting Actor, Best Documentary, Best Foreign Film, and Best Student Film.
Others are Best Sound, Best Costume, Best Indigenous Films (Hausa, Yoruba, Igbo & other indigenous films), Best Short Film, Best Skit, Best Music Video, and Best Special Effects.
NAN/Wumi