The Nigerian Film Corporation (NFC) says the Zuma International Film Festival (ZUFF) has evolved into a global creative hub that celebrates storytellers, filmmakers, and audiences bringing African narratives to life.
Managing Director and Chief Executive of the NFC, Dr Ali Nuhu, stated this during a press conference in Abuja on Monday to unveil the 2025 edition of the festival.
This year’s edition, themed “Storytelling for Global Influence: Film as a Soft Power and Economic Force,” highlights film’s impact on shaping global perceptions, influencing culture, and driving creative economies.
Nuhu said the festival reminds Nigerians that filmmaking extends beyond entertainment — it serves to preserve history, strengthen national identity, and promote global collaboration.
“Zuma has always aimed to amplify Nigeria’s creative voice. Across the world, film festivals connect ideas, people, and nations, creating platforms where culture meets economic opportunity,” he said.
He noted that Nigerian films had made their mark in international festivals across Berlin, Cairo, and Toronto, demonstrating Africa’s vibrant and respected creative presence.
According to him, more than 3,156 films have been submitted for Zuma 2025 from countries including Nigeria, India, France, China, Egypt, and the United States, covering features, shorts, animations, music videos, and indigenous-language films.
“The global embrace of Zuma is no accident. It is the result of intentional leadership, partnerships, and consistent effort to build a platform that welcomes diverse and bold storytelling,” he added.
Nuhu praised the Minister of Art, Culture, Tourism and the Creative Economy, Hannatu Musawa, for supporting the sector through initiatives such as the Creative Leap Acceleration Programme (CLAP) and the Creative Economic Development Fund.
He also acknowledged the Federal Capital Territory Administration, led by Minister Nyesom Wike and Minister of State Dr Mariya Mahmoud, for maintaining Abuja as the permanent home of Zuma.
Nuhu thanked President Bola Tinubu for recognising the creative sector’s role in national development, saying his administration’s policies had revitalised the industry with new funding opportunities and international recognition.
He revealed ongoing efforts to strengthen Nigeria’s film value chain through training programmes, digitisation, regional expansion, and global partnerships.
“Our doors are wide open for collaboration, support, and shared vision,” he said, quoting an African proverb: “Until the lion learns to write, every story will glorify the hunter. Today, we are teaching our lions to write, with cameras, scripts, and vision.”
In her remarks, Musawa said the festival had become a symbol of global creative influence, commending the Tinubu-led government for positioning film as a major driver of Nigeria’s economic transformation and soft power.
She said the creation of dedicated screen-related policies and funding structures reflected the government’s commitment to sustainable growth in the audiovisual and film sectors.
Festival Director, Mrs Halima Oyelade, said the 2025 edition would celebrate cinematic excellence, praising the NFC boss for his visionary leadership.
“Zuma exists because of your stories, your resilience, and your creativity,” she told filmmakers and partners, expressing appreciation to sponsors for supporting the festival’s mission.
(NAN)