The Nigerian Minister of Art, Culture, and the Creative Economy, Hannatu Musawa, has announced the launch of activities for the kickoff of the 2024 Zuma International Film Festival.
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During a press conference in Abuja, the Minister praised the Nigerian Film Corporation for maintaining and enhancing the quality of each edition of the festival. She also highlighted that film festivals and markets offer valuable opportunities for various stakeholders to influence the growth of 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,” she said.
Minister Musawa also expressed that the Zuma Film Festival will drive sustainable growth, create jobs, and promote investment opportunities.
“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.” She added
“As we strive to promote and develop the nation’s film industry through digital transformation and innovation, 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”. Minister Musawa said
Nigeria’s Minister of Tourism, Mrs. Lola Ade-John described Nigerian film-makers as very creative and hardworking, expressing optimism about Nigerian films being recognized globally.
“I am hoping that one day, films that come out of Nigeria will go global and we will achieve at least, one Oscar,” she added.
In her speech, the Minister of State of the Federal Capital Territory Dr Mariya Mahmoud, urged the Nigerian Film Industry to put in place, modalities that will outlive the administration.
Earlier, the Managing Director and Chief Executive of the Nigerian Film Corporation Dr Ali Nuhu said that the Zuma Film Festival was a significant milestone towards enhancing Nigeria’s vibrant film industry, Nollywood.
“The Zuma International Film Festival is more than an event; it’s a movement that promotes Nigeria’s cultural and creative economy. The festival creates jobs, empowers youth, and fosters collaboration across borders. This year, we highlight the transformative power of digital technology in filmmaking, with over 3,120 film submissions from countries including Nigeria, Iran, India, the USA, Spain, and France”, he said.
The Nigerian Film Corporation (NFC) also revealed the new logo for the Zuma Film Festival, scheduled to take place from December 1-5, 2024, at Jabi Lake Mall. Events will include an Annual Film Lecture delivered by His Excellency, Vice President Kashim Shettima (GCON), sessions on Artificial Intelligence in Filmmaking, a Film Trade and Finance Forum, an Emerging Talents showcase, a Women in Film Forum, and will culminate with the Zuma Award Night.
With over 3,120 film submissions from across the globe, the 5-day event is poised to be a key platform for filmmakers, industry experts, investors, policymakers, and creative entrepreneurs to connect. The theme for this 14th edition, “Digital Renaissance: Embracing the Future,” will provide an opportunity to examine and reflect on the swift digital advancements reshaping the film industry.
Oluchi Okwuego
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