By Daniel Tyokua
The minister of Information and Culture, Alhaji Lai Muhammed has urged film makers to use their talent in film making to sustain the unity of Nigeria and promote African heritage to the outside world.
He made the call while presenting awards at the closing ceremony of Zuma Film Festival held in Abuja, with the theme ‘show the money’.
“I do hope that, this year’s film festival has shown film makers how they can exploit new platforms not only to see the money but also touch and keep it for the increase in profitability and global reach for their films.”
The Minister noted that he is proud that, the Nigerian Film Industry today is now the must important platform for showcasing the country’s arts and culture to the outside world.
In her remarks, the Minister of State for the Federal Capital Territory:( FCT) Dr Ramatu Aliyu said that, Nollywood must be given the necessary support to thrive better and compete favourably in the global film market.
This she noted, can only be achieved through robust partnership and collaboration.
Dr Aliyu called on members of the Nigerian industry to unite and ensure constructive and heathy competition among them.
The Managing Director Nigeria Film Corporation Mr. Chidia Maduekwe believes that, the creative economy of Nigeria can only grow further if programmes like Zuma film festival are supported.
He said that, the search and consumption of Nigerian movie content has increased tremendously due to capacity to create jobs and wealth as well as promote peace and unity of the country.
Mr Maduekwe noted that, “government remains committed to promoting the growth of the sector by massively undertaking major policy decisions that is recquaired. Film works must be protected.”
The climax of the Zuma Film Festival, witnessed presentation of awards to winners and life time legendary actors and producers.
The best actor was Ikechukwu Ike from Nigeria, best picture was Uche Udo, Nigeria, best foreign film went to Bangladesh, while best student film went to Kanzi Zange from the People’s Republic of China.
