MUSAWA FLAGS OFF ZUMA INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL 2024.

The Minister of Art, Culture and the Creative Economy Barrister Hannatu Musa Musawa has announced the commencement of activities to flag off the 2024 Zuma International Film Festival.

At a Press Conference in Abuja on Tuesday, the Minister commended the Nigerian Film Corporation for the sustainability and improvement of each edition of the festival, adding 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”.

Minister Musawa also stated that 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”.

The 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.”

In her speech, the Minister of State of the Federal Capital Territory Dr Mariya Mahmud, 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”.

The NFC also unveiled the new logo for the Zuma Film Festival slated for December 1-5, 2024 at the Jabi Lake Mall. Activities include an Annual Film Lecture to be delivered by His Excellency, Vice President Kashim Shettima (GCON), sessions on Artificial Intelligence in Filmmaking Session, Film Trade and Finance Forum, Emerging Talents, Women in Film Forum and a climax with the Zuma Award Night.

With over 3,120 film submissions from various countries, the 5-day event promises to serve as a critical platform for the convergence of filmmakers, industry professionals, investors, policymakers, and creative entrepreneurs.