*H.E. Mohammed Bashir Basha (r) and Dr. Ali Nuhu (l)
The Nigerian Film Corporation (NFC) has signed a historic memorandum of understanding to fully digitize “Kulba Na Barna”, one of Nigeria’s vintage films shot on 35mm. This comes after a previous and successful restoration as well as digitization of “Shaihu Umar” in 2019. Both films are part of the holdings of the National Film Video and Sound Archive (NFVSA) Jos, a frontline department of the NFC.
Speaking at the MoU signing ceremony in Lausanne, Switzerland – last week Thursday, February 19, 2026, Dr. Ali Nuhu, NFC’s Managing Director/Chief Executive, described the partnership as not only strategic but a significant milestone in NFC’s determination to transform the capabilities of the NFVSA as Nigeria’s official repository for audio-visual contents. Dr. Nuhu further averred that, following the successful digitization of “Shaihu Umar”, which has severally been screened globally, and copies already availed Nigerian higher institutions for learning and research purposes; the restoration and digitization of “Kulba Na Barna”, under the technical partnership agreement, will halt any further deterioration or loss of audio-visual contents of historical value, provide participating partners opportunities for other joint audio-visual content restoration, digitization, preservation, archiving, train the trainer – technical and manpower development initiatives. The tripartite agreement to restore and digitize “Kulba Na Barna” is between the NFC, Cinematheque Suisse and Arsenal – Institute for Film and Video Art – Berlin.
“Kulba Na Barna” produced in 1992 by Brendan Shehu and directed by Late Adamu Halilu is a classic cultural feature film rooted in northern Nigeria. The title, derived from the Hausa language, reflects the unique and deep story telling techniques of Nigeria’s film industry. The themes of consequence, moral accountability and the enduring impact of human actions are hallmarks of “Kulba Na Barna”, one of Nigeria’s cinematic works documenting socio-cultural realities in northern Nigeria. The film, remains significant within Nigeria’s audio-visual heritage collections.
Meanwhile Dr. Nuhu, on a courtesy visit to the Nigerian Embassy in Germany, has commended the Ambassador for deepening Nigeria – Germany relations, and making it easier for Nigeria’s cinema to thrive in that part of Europe. Dr. Nuhu, was particularly appreciative of the embassy’s support extended to German institutions and partners of the NFC, through the provision of consular services. Nuhu, informed his host that the sustainability of NFC’s cooperation and partnership with its German counterparts which includes Goethe University, Arsenal – Institute for Film and Video Art – Berlin; Deutsches Filminstitut Filmmuseum- DFF; predicated on technical skills transfer, knowledge sharing, joint restoration and digitization initiatives, training and retraining workshops for staff and workers of the NFVSA, require frequent inter-country travels. The visit was part of NFC’s strategic engagements during the 76th edition of Berlinale Film Festival, Berlin, Germany (12-22, February, 2026).
Dr. Nuhu; accompanied on the visit to the Embassy by Mr. Alo Paistik of Goethe University- Frankfurt and Mr. Markus Ruff Arsenal – Institute for Film and Video Art – Berlin; was received by top diplomats of the Nigerian Embassy led by the Charge d’Affairs, His Excellency Mohammed Bashir Basha. He assured the delegation of the embassy’s commitment and support for trans-border initiatives that are intended to deepen impactful people-to-people and country-to-country relationsrelations.
