By PRISCILLA OSAJE
The Zuma Film Festival (ZUFF) is Nigeria’s foremost film festival designed for film practitioners to network with their counterparts from other film cultures.
The Nigerian Film Corporation (NFC) is a Federal Government agency responsible for planning, promoting and driving an integrated and efficient film industry in Nigeria.
It is in line with its mandate to develop and promote the film industry in Nigeria that the NFC established Zuma Film Festival.
Analysts have observed that over the years, the festival has been well positioned as a reputable platform for the African film industry in line with Nigeria’s status as the largest film market on the continent.
The festival was a biennale event until in 2017 when it became an annual event.
Entertainment industry commentators say that since its inception in 1999 and its rebranding in 2017 as Nigeria’s foremost and international film festival, no effort has been spared to ensure that the objectives of the film festival are maximally achieved.
However, there remains the need to capitalise on the impact of the festival to improve the country’s movie industry and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) in particular.
The Minister of FCT, Mr Nyesom Wike, during the 2023 edition of the festival, which is the 13th in the series, described the ZUFF as a catalyst for economic growth in the Territory.
Wike reiterated the FCT Administration’s commitment to nurture and support talent for sustainable economic growth and development in the territory.
He acknowledged the pivotal role of the film industry in shaping collective identity and promoting cultural exchange through the convergence of culture.
He said that the festival was a veritable platform to drive tourism and stimulate huge economic opportunities for the FCT.
According to him, the benefit of the partnership extends far beyond the realm of entertainment.
Wike said: “through this festival, our residents are being exposed to a plethora of artistic expression, cultural diversity and thought-provoking narratives that challenge perspective and enable dialogue.
“The collaboration is also facilitating the development of our local film industry, not only home-grown talent, but also providing a platform for emerging filmmakers to showcase their creativity.
“As a result, the FCT creative industry stands to gain, not only culturally, but also economically with increased employment opportunities and the potential growth in related industries.
He urged the relevant stakeholders to embrace the potential of the partnership to elevate Abuja city to cultural richness and creativity.
He said the organisers would form stronger ties with global filmmakers; production companies and film festivals for enhance economic benefits.
“We also seek to amplify the reach and prestige of the Zuma Festival on the global stage to attract more attention, participants and investments, thereby augmenting the festival’s economic benefits for the FCT.
“Secondly, we plan to expand the festival’s programme to encompass a wider array of cultural activities, workshops and educational initiatives,” he said.
Wike added that the festival served as a platform, not only in showcasing Abuja talents but also fostering meaningful connection within the industry.
This, he said, could be done through networking with fellow film makers, producers, and enthusiasts, collaborating and exchanging ideas that could spark new and innovative projects.
“This festival holds a special place in the heart of the FCT. It embellishes not only the spirit of artistic expression, but also the economy and cultural significance that illuminate throughout the nation’s capital’’.
Similarly, the Minister of Arts, Culture and Creative Economy, Mrs Hannatu Musawa, said that the festival provided the needed platform to showcase Nigeria’s rich cultural diversity.
Musawa said the impact of the festival could not be overemphasised and urged Nigerian film makers to use the opportunity to celebrate the country’s form of arts and exploit its potential.
In same vein, Mr Ayo Ade-Agbo, Special Assistant to President Bola Tinubu, on Art, Culture and Creative Economy, said such festival would help in facilitating the growth and development of Nigeria’s film industry.
Meanwhile, the Managing Director, Nigerian Film Corporation, Dr Chidia Maduekwe, said the event had opened more vistas to how creative could harness their diversities in culture for an impactful united country.
“We are delighted that the current dispensation is emphasising the creative industry with the creation of the Ministry of Arts, Culture and Creative Economy.
“It is our conviction that the festival has deepened the perspective of the Renewed Hope Agenda of our dear President Bola Tinubu, as it relates to Culture and creative industry,’’ he said.
Also, Brian Etuk, Director of Public Affairs, Nigerian Film Corporation (NFC), said the previous festival had impacted the Nigerian economy and innovation of computer-intensive entities.
Etuk said since 2017, the corporation has improved its team by ensuring that the festival was held yearly, as well as making it a continental event and not an all Nigerian event.
“There will be participation across the continent, starting with Morocco and then to South Africa.
“Germany, Spain, American Embassies and South Africa are on board. We hope they will pull their resources to ensure that their filmmakers are part of the event.
“The MoU we signed with South Africa is yielding fruits; many South Africans have indicated interest to participate in the festival,’’ he said.
“But we also look forward to knowing how to sustain the industry; so we can pay attention to master classes and mentorship.
“Some people will mentor upcoming filmmakers and also be at the business sessions at the event,’’ Etuk said.
He further explained that the Federal Inland Revenue Service would put filmmakers through various rebate systems inherent in our tax systems to enhance film production.
According to him, the Corporation is trying to ensure a better tax reward system across the federation, where filmmakers can benefit to enhance their production.
“We are hopeful that the festival will elevate more Nigerians in the committee of nations, as a film destination hub and creative giant of Africa’’.
Etuk explained further that the outcome of such should translate into improvement of content creation, distribution and exhibition, employment and wealth creation.
News Agency of Nigeria reports that, the highpoint of the ZUFF 2023 closing ceremony was the presentation of the Lifetime Achievement Awards to the FCT Minister of State, Mariya Mahmud and legendary singer, Onyeka Onwenu.
Other recipients include veteran Kannywood actress Saratu Gidado, popularly known as ‘Daso’, Clarence Peters and Dauda Kahuta, popularly known as ‘Rarara’ among others. (NANFeatures).
