Stephaine Linus Appoints Jury Members For  Zuma  International  Film Festival

A ten-member jury of reputable Nigerian and foreign filmmakers to adjudicate on all entries in the competitive category of the Zuma International Film Festival, 2024, scheduled to be held in Abuja, Nigeria’s capital from December 1st to 5th, which is jointly being organized by the Nigerian Film Corporation, NFC and the Federal Capital Territory Administration, FCTA has been announced.

Announcing the constitution of the ten-member jury in a statement issued in Abuja by NFC’s Director of Public Affairs, Brian Etuk said, “The jury is most critical to the selection of winning entries, and the composition of the jury reflects the premium and niche of ZUMA International Film Festival, as one of the continent’s fastest growing international film festivals and market events.”

This explains why the jury includes both Nigerian and foreign film stakeholders, who have recently promoted authentic Nigerian and African-resonant stories and continue to contribute immensely to the growth of inclusive global film production.

An A-list Nigerian actress, filmmaker, and activist with lead appearances in over 100 movies, including an Afro-Hollywood, USA Filmmakers Award for Excellence, Reel Awards for Best Actress, and recently, the AMVCA Award for Best Overall Movie in Africa as well as recipient of the AMAA Award for Best Nigerian Film for her impactful work DRY was named as the Chairperson of the Jury.

Other members are Kenneth Gyang- Director of This Is Lagos, Mojisola as well as Oloture Netflix’s Original from Nigeria; Aisha Halilu Abdullahi – a docu-drama and documentary specialist; Ishaq Sidi Ishaq – an actor, writer and producer of “Kamilu”, ‘‘Wasila’’; Charles Novia – an avant-garde Nollywood filmmaker, scriptwriter, producer, director and creative entrepreneur; Hakeem Kae Kazim – a supremely talented actor, producer, Director of great cinematic portrayal of George Rutugunda in the Oscar-nominated Hotel Rwanda, as well as playing leading roles in The Librarian, The Triangle, and knack for creating feisty and deeply thrilling characters; Sihle Hlophe – Director with multiple awards and over 15 years of experience; Ronya Man – an acting coach and creative arts specialist with handles on Lahira, SIN, The Johnsons, as well as Juliet Ibrahim – a bilingual (French and English) speaking multiple award-winning producer, director, entrepreneur with over 100 movie appearances. Zaiyanu Tanko Waziri, a veteran filmmaker and broadcaster with more than twenty years of professional experience was also named as a member of the jury.

In the statement, NFC’s Managing Director & Chairman, of the Festival Organising Committee, Dr. Ali Nuhu, on behalf of its partner, the FCTA, congratulated Stephanie Okereke-Linus for emerging as Chairperson of the Jury.

Dr. Nuhu said that the Jury Chairperson and her team’s roles are critical to the overall success of the Film Festival brand, and no effort has been spared in its organization in terms of content, attendance and participation. NFC; Nuhu averred, remains committed to achieving the objectives of sustaining the positive narratives that Nigeria with a huge creative economy, is indeed the hub of film production in Africa.

Zuma International Film Festival 2024, the 14th in the series and themed: Digital Renaissance: Embracing The Future takes place December 1st – 5th at Chida Event Centre, Abuja Nigeria. Meanwhile, Etuk added that the online registration portal of the film festival has opened, and intending participants can register through the link:- https://zumafilmfest.com/zuff-2024-registration