The Minister of Arts, Culture and Creative Economy, Hanatu Musawa, has announced the introduction of ‘Screen Nigeria’ project, a roadmap for film developmental initiatives for the country.
Musawa made the announcement during a news conference to unveil the logo of the 14th Edition of the Zuma International Film Festival (ZUFF) in Abuja.
Newsspecng.com reports 2024 ZUFF is scheduled to hold in the nation’s capital from Dec. 1 to Dec. 5, with the theme, “Digital Renaissance: Embracing the Future”.
“It gives me great pleasure to announce a new brand, Screen Nigeria, under the ministry’s portfolio of brands.
“This brand shall be the umbrella for all our film developmental initiatives and programmes.
“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.
“We have witnessed the power of this form of storytelling in the success of numerous films and television series that have found audiences in countries far and near.
“We must not take this ability to use our voice in shaping the world for granted.
“We must deepen the industry and guarantee better access and the ability for even more diverse stories from all parts of the country to be told,” she said.
Musawa commended the Nigerian Film Corporation (NFC) for staying committed to the vision and objectives of ZUFF, acclaimed to be Nigeria’s foremost film festival.
According to her, the festival continues to serve as a critical platform for the convergence of filmmakers, industry professionals, investors, policymakers and creative entrepreneurs.
“Film festivals and markets provide a unique opportunity to bring the various players in the sector together and significantly impact the local film industry.
“They 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, as 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 said.
Earlier in his address, Ali Nuhu, Managing Director of NFC, said the 2024 ZUFF would highlight the transformative power of digital technology in filmmaking.
Nuhu, who is also Chairman of the Central Joint Committee of the festival, said the annual event is a platform that facilitates the promotion of Nigeria’s cultural values and creativity beyond its borders.
“The Zuma International Film Festival is more than an event; it is a movement that promotes Nigeria’s cultural and creative economy.
“The festival creates jobs, empowers youth and fosters collaboration across borders and this year, we highlight the transformative power of digital technology in filmmaking,” he said.
The 2024 ZUMA Film Festival will feature a lecture, film screenings and awards, including the Nigerian Film Society Rock of Fame Award, the highest professional recognition within the Nigeria film industry based solely on merit.
It will also serve as a viable platform for Nigerian film practitioners to network with their counterparts from other parts of the world, exploit co-production and financing opportunities for investment boost in the industry.
