Abuja: The Nigerian Film Corporation (NFC) has announced Mr. Ejike Asiegbu, a veteran actor and filmmaker, as the Chairman of the eight-member jury to adjudicate on all entries in the competition category of the Zuma Film Festival (ZUFF) scheduled for December 1 to 5 in Abuja.
According to Voice of Nigeria, Mr. Brian Etuk, NFC’s Director of Public Affairs, revealed this development in a statement, emphasizing Asiegbu’s leadership alongside eight other Nigerian and international filmmakers for the 15th edition of the Zuma International Film Festival. Asiegbu, known for his past presidency of the Actors Guild of Nigeria (AGN) and current role as Executive Director of the Actors Charity Foundation (ACF), is expected to leverage his extensive experience to guide the jury in selecting winners for the festival’s prestigious awards.
Asiegbu has been a consistent figure in documenting Nigeria’s dynamic movie industry and is dedicated to the advancement of Nigeria’s arts, theatre, and film sectors. His roles extend
beyond acting, as he is also a board member of the Audio Visual Rights Society of Nigeria (AVRS). With over forty years in the industry, Asiegbu has participated in more than 250 Nigerian films, including the acclaimed ‘Finding Messiah’ by Oscar Heman-Ackah.
Other jury members include Dr. Mohammed Ghazala from Egypt, Mr. Gilbert Agbor from Cameroon, Prof. Vincensia Shule from Tanzania, Mr. Hafizu Bello from Nigeria, Mr. Rasmesh Raparthi from India, Abdulkareem Baba Aminu from Nigeria, Fari Elysian from Russia, and Oskar Alegra from Spain. Dr. Ali Nuhu, NFC’s Managing Director and Chairman of the Festival Organising Committee, highlighted the critical role of the jury in determining the winners of the festival’s competitive categories, praising the global contributions of its members to film production.
The 2025 edition of ZUFF aims to provide broader and more inclusive opportunities for filmmakers and stakeholders to discuss the role of cinema in soft power diplomacy and economic growth. The festival will f
ocus on shaping global perceptions, building partnerships, fostering cultural exchanges, and developing strategic policies to enhance film production, distribution, exhibition, and funding.
The submission of film entries for the festival opened on June 4 and concluded on September 5. Under the theme ‘Storytelling for Global Influence: Film as a Soft Power and Economic Force,’ ZUFF 2025 will feature award categories such as Best Picture, Best Cinematography, Best Director, Best Animation/Cartoon, Best Actress/Supporting Actress, Best Actor/Supporting Actor, Best Documentary, Best Foreign Film, and Best Student Film. Additional categories include Best Sound, Best Costume, Best Indigenous Films, Best Short Film, Best Skit, Best Music Video, and Best Special Effects.