ZUFF Chairman urges stakeholders to navigate digital renaissance

The Managing Director and Executive of the Nigerian Film Corporation, NFC, Dr. Ali Nuhu, says the film festival has rekindled the spirit of collaboration and innovation that defined the film industry. Nuhu made the call in Abuja at the closing ceremony/award night of the foremost Zuma Film Festival in Abuja, the nation’s Capital.
Nuhu, also the Chairman of the Zuma International Film Festival Planning Committee, said that measuring the true impact of cinema was not in the awards bestowed, applause heard, or the stories being told. According to him, it is in moments like these where we come together, transcending borders and barriers, united by our shared passion for the magic of the silver screen.
Nuhu called on stakeholders to navigate the digital renaissance and remember that while technology evolves, the essence of storytelling remains unchanged.

He said “Your dedication ensured that over two hundred and fifty film content creators and emerging talents received invaluable training, strengthening the connection between veteran filmmakers and the next generation of digital creative minds,”

The Executive Director expressed gratitude to Vice President, Kashim Shettima for delivering the 2024 NFC Annual Film Lecture.
“Your insights on digital solutions for the development of African cinema have been enlightening and transformative, he said. He appreciated all the ministers’ unwavering support, which has been instrumental in making this festival a resounding success.

Also speaking at the event the Minister of State, Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA), Dr. Mariya Mahmoud, represented by the State Coordinator on Special Investment Programmes, Maigida Adamu Kuku called on relevant stakeholders in the film industry to continue to celebrate and uplift African cinema. Mahmoud said this would ensure that voices from our continent are heard on every stage around the world. She said over the past few days, they had witnessed the remarkable talents and innovation that defined the essence of African and global cinema.

According to her, such talents and innovation emanated from documentaries to groundbreaking narratives, as well as a true celebration of true storytelling.
“Our team members` work inspires, educates, and challenges perception; the voice of this generation and your creativity have illuminated our straining hearts. This gathering operates in line with visionaries and foreign tiers of the world, proving that the power of cinema transcends borders, unites all, and tells the stories that need to be told,” she said.

The Minister thanked the sponsors, partners, and organisers for their unwavering support, as well as their contributions, which had made the platform possible to empower artists and audiences alike. She said that the audiences were the tool that has been the cinema through supporting this film and engaging in conversation.
“You are essential in keeping this art alive. As we leave this place, let us take the stories, the lessons, and the inspiration with us. Let us continue to celebrate and uplift African cinema and ensure that the voices from our continent are heard on every stage around the world, she added.
”It is my sincere prayer that the spirit of the Zuma Film Festival will continue to inspire us to recreate and share.
“As an administration, we will continue to support initiatives that will not only promote art but also things that unite us as people,” the Minister said

Earlier, Jury Chairperson, Hollywood Actress Stepheanie-Linus, said the Zuma Film Festival with the theme “Digital Renaissance, Embracing the Future”, celebrated the future of creativity and innovation. Linus emphasised the role of digital platforming while restricting the film industry. According to her, the festival has received an unprecedented four thousand six hundred and nine submissions from all around the world.

She said “It’s run across the country, like Nigeria, Iran, India, U.S., Spain, France, Brazil and a whole lot of them. This is a remarkable participation in the sort of global renaissance theme and the universal embrace of digital transformation and storytelling.
“As a jury, our responsibility is both exciting and a challenging one. We have watched stories that transcend borders, tackle diverse themes, and explore the human experience in profound and thought-provoking ways,” she added

The Chairperson of Jury said that the filming competition this year reminded them of the power of cinema to educate, entertain and inspire change saying their role as a jury is not simply to judge, but to celebrate this event.
“We want to thank the filmmakers who have not only excelled in their technical and artistic execution but also dared to challenge norms, start conversations and evoke emotions that linger long after the credits roll. You are the lifeline of this industry and your contribution ensures that the stories of our people, our continent and our world continue to thrive and resonate,” she added.

The Actress expressed their deepest gratitude to the organisers of the Zuma Film Festival for providing this platform where art and culture thrive.
“All the filmmakers, whether you are seasoned or emerging, I commend you for your bravery in sharing your visions with the world. It is through events like this that we foster collaboration, inspire innovation and elevate African cinematics to its rightful place on the global stage.
“For my fellow jury members, I want to say a special thank you for your dedication, insight and fairness throughout this process. The decisions we make today will undoubtedly shape the careers of talented filmmakers and serve as a background for others. Thank you for supporting the art and being part of this journey,” she added.

The theme of this year’s edition, Digital Renaissance: Embracing the Future”