+AS TOP ACTRESS STEPHANIE LINUS EMERGES AMBASSADOR
The Nigerian Film Corporation, NFC has picked December 1-5, 2024 for the 14th edition of the Zuma International Film Festival.
The Managing Director and Chief Executive of the Nigerian Film Corporation Dr Ali Nuhu who stated this at a news conference in Abuja also unveiled a new logo for the Film Festival.
Dr. Ali Nuhu who said the Festival was a significant milestone towards enhancing Nigeria’s vibrant film industry, Nollywood, announced that part of activities for the Festival 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 the Zuma Award Night.
In her remarks, the Minister of Art, Culture and the Creative Economy Ms Hannatu Musa Musawa who announced the commencement of activities to flag off the 2024 Zuma International Film Festival 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.
Musawa said “ZUMA Film Festival brings international focus to the local industry and helps cement Nigeria’s position 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 also acknowledged that the Zuma Film Festival will achieve sustainable growth, job creation and investment promotion.
Also speaking at the event, 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.
According to her, 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.”
Dr. Mahmud also announced award-winning filmmaker and actress, Stephanie Okereke Linus as Head of Jury for ZUFF 2024.
This year’s event with the theme “Digital Renaissance: Embracing the Future”, has recorded over 3,120 film entries from several countries including Nigeria, Iran, India, the USA, Spain, and France”.
