Vice President Kashim Shettima is expected to deliver the 2024 National Film Conference Annual Film Festival.
Minister of Art and Tourism, Hanatu Musawa disclosed this on Tuesday at the Press Conference to officially unveil the logo ahead of the Zuma International film festival scheduled for December 2024 with the theme: “Digital Renaissance: Embracing the future.
The minister said it is a pivotal moment for the creative ecosystem.
She said: “The Vice President, Senator Kashim Shettima, GCON, will deliver the keynote lecture at this year’s Zuma International Film festival NFC Annual Film Festival. The lecture, titled Digital Ecosystem Redefining African Cinema, will explore how digital solutions are transforming the film industry by driving job creation, wealth generation, and regional trade. It aims to position Nigeria not just as Africa’s creative hub, but as a global cultural force.
“This is a pivotal moment for Nigeria’s creative and cultural industries.
“The world is increasingly captivated by our talent and our stories, and the Vice President’s lecture will address the crucial role of the digital ecosystem in revitalizing African cinema. The Nigerian government is creating an enabling environment through supportive policies, international agreements, and digital platforms.”
She further emphasized, “As we move into a digital era, it is important that Nigeria, Africa, and the rest of the world move forward together. The creative industry, particularly film and music, is a powerful medium to share this transformation.” The Vice President’s lecture will also include interactive discussions with a panel of distinguished experts from across the continent, examining the implications of the digital landscape for the film industry.
The minister took the opportunity to express gratitude to the Honourable Minister of State for the FCT, the Honourable Minister of the FCT, Barrister Nyesom Wike, CON, GSSRS, and Dr. Maria Mahmoud for their continued collaboration with the NFC in hosting the Zuma International Film Festival. “Abuja is becoming the cultural and creative heart of the country,” he noted.
She also highlighted the efforts to elevate Abuja’s status in global creative and cultural events, urging attendees to visit both Lagos for the December festivities and Abuja, which is set to become a center of creativity and tourism through new initiatives and partnerships with the FCT Ministry.
She also acknowledged the collaborative spirit between his ministry and the Ministry of Tourism, staying “If we succeed, tourism succeeds, and if tourism succeeds, we succeed. Together, we will make Nigeria a global center for creativity and tourism, attracting the world to experience our beauty and talent.”
The Minister of Tourism, Lola Ade John, also shared her reflections, emphasizing the significance of storytelling in tourism.
“Every location has a story, and through film, we’ve translated these stories into entertainment that attracts youth and women alike,” she said.
She added: “I’m confident that Nigeria will achieve global recognition, even winning an Oscar someday,” she added, highlighting the growth of Nigeria’s film industry since the 1980s.
“The journey has been long, but our creativity and hard work will take us far. There’s a deep connection between the creative economy and tourism, and I believe we are just scratching the surface of what we can achieve.”
The Honourable Minister of State for the FCT, Maryam Mahmoud, also spoke about the significance of the Zuma Film Festival, calling it a platform for collaboration, inspiration, and cultural exchange.
“This festival goes beyond cinematic creativity. It is a vibrant platform that bridges cultures and sparks important conversations,” she stated.
Mahmoud expressed her hope that the festival will leave a lasting impact beyond the current administration, and that each year will surpass the last in its contributions to Nigerian and African cinema.
She thanked the attendees for their support and wished them a successful festival.
On his part, Dr. Ali Nuhu, Managing Director/Chief Executive, Nigerian Film Corporstion said “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 foster collaborations across borders. This year, we highlights the transformative power of digital technology in filmmaking with over 3120 film submission from countries including Nigeria, Iran, India, the USA Spain and France.
He also revealed that Stehhannie Okereke Linus, a renowned filmmaker and actress will be member of the jury along with other distinguished film experts.”
