Abuja: The Nigerian Film Corporation (NFC) has announced that the Zuma International Film Festival (ZUFF) is set to deepen cultural exchange, attract significant investment, and strengthen the creative value chain from development to cinema distribution. Dr. Ali Nuhu, Managing Director of NFC, made these remarks at the opening of the 15th edition of ZUFF, held in Abuja.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, Nuhu, who also serves as the chief executive chairman of the festival, highlighted the theme for this year’s edition, ‘Storytelling for Global Influence: Film as a Soft Power and Economic Force,’ as a reminder of film’s role beyond entertainment. He noted that the festival has become a testament to Nigeria’s identity as a nation of storytellers, cultural ambassadors, and creative innovators.
Nuhu emphasized that as Nigerian and African stories increasingly influence global culture, the festival serves as a platform for shaping conversations, sparking curiosity, and opening doors for new collaborations. He stressed that film functions as both diplomacy and heritage while acting as an economic strategy for nations to shape perceptions and build bridges.
The festival has been curated to bolster the creative value chain from development to distribution, featuring masterclasses, roundtables, co-production forums, national days hosted by foreign embassies, business sessions, free screenings, and exhibitions. Nuhu expressed gratitude to various supporters, including President Bola Tinubu, the FCT Administration, and international partners from China, Germany, Spain, Iran, and South Africa.
Minister of Art, Culture, Tourism, and Creative Economy, Hannatu Musawa, represented by Obi Asika of the National Council for Arts and Culture (NCAC), expressed enthusiasm for the international jury and film screenings. She praised Nollywood’s growth and encouraged documentation of the industry’s achievements to preserve its legacy.
Dr. Shaibu Husseini, Director-General of the National Film and Video Censors Board (NFCVB), described film as a tool of soft power and economic force, urging stakeholders to amplify its global reach. Iranian Ambassador Mr. Gholamreza Mahdavi Raga highlighted the festival’s role in fostering cultural exchange, underscoring Iran’s participation with films and educational initiatives.
Mr. Yang Jianxing of the Chinese Embassy emphasized film’s role in connecting people and enhancing mutual understanding. He congratulated the NFC and expressed hope that participants would appreciate the Chinese films showcased at ZUFF.