Abuja: Gov. Caleb Mutfwang of Plateau State has called on creative practitioners to actively pursue partnerships by utilizing new platforms to enhance their skills from production to distribution. He emphasized this during the Annual Film Lecture of the Nigerian Film Corporation (NFC), the organizer of the Zuma International Film Festival (ZUFF).
According to News Agency of Nigeria, the lecture titled ‘From Policy to Power: The Future Africa’s Cinematic Influence,’ featured Mutfwang, represented by Mr. Cornelius Doeyok, the Commissioner of Tourism, Culture, and Hospitality. He highlighted the need for investors and private sector actors to recognize the economic potential of the creative industry. Mutfwang stressed that film is no longer merely a hobby but a business with significant global reach and cultural value. He encouraged academia and training institutions to tailor their programs to meet the needs of the film ecosystem, focusing on technical skills, storytelling, distribution, and business models.
Mutfwang urged practitioners from Plateau State and other regions to leverage their unique cultural and historical assets to become film hubs, collaborating with national players. He emphasized viewing film as an industry and national asset, urging stakeholders to coordinate policy with practice to transition from policy to power.
The governor projected a future where film production hubs thrive across multiple Nigerian states, with filmmakers telling resonant stories and young Nigerians employed in various technical roles. He envisioned Nigerian films dominating African box offices and competing globally, with integrated tax incentives, studios, and distribution platforms forming a vibrant creative ecosystem.
Mutfwang outlined a vision for Plateau State as a film destination with scenic locations, a well-equipped studio, a training academy, and an annual film festival attracting attention. He highlighted the potential of the film sector to significantly contribute to the state’s GDP, job creation, and community development.
He concluded by emphasizing the importance of partnerships, progressive actions, and a Pan-African reach. Mutfwang urged stakeholders to invest in realizing this future, emphasizing the power and influence of storytelling through film within the creative economy.
Dr. Ali Nuhu, Managing Director/Chief Executive of NFC, remarked that the ‘Annual Film Lecture’ series aims to address challenges, offer solutions, and secure stakeholder commitments towards the sustainable growth of the creative economy. He noted that the series has historically addressed threats within Nigeria’s creative ecosystem and continues to provide opportunities to address developmental issues.
NFC highlighted the importance of evolving national policy frameworks and the necessity of shifting focus from policy to power to navigate challenges in Nigeria’s vibrant film industry. The lecture series provides a platform to explore strategic directions and solutions for the creative economy’s growth.