By Stellamaries Amuwa, Abuja
In a bid to brighten vision for the future of African cinema, the Federal Government has underscored the critical importance of a robust digital ecosystem in transforming the continent’s film industry and enhancing its global reach.
This was made known at a press conference on Tuesday ahead of the Zuma Film Festival in December 2024, the Minister of Art and Culture, Hannatu Musawa, stated extensively how digital technology is driving growth, improving distribution, and elevating African storytelling on the world stage.
She reiterated that digital transformation is crucial not only for expanding the audience for African films but also for job creation, wealth generation, and regional trade.“This is a pivotal moment for Nigeria’s creative and cultural industries. She noted the increasing international interest in Nigerian talent and narratives.
Meanwhile, the upcoming festival is set to be a landmark event for the Nigerian creative industry, featuring a keynote lecture by Vice President Senator Kashim Shettima, GCON. His address, titled “Digital Ecosystem Redefining African Cinema,” will explore the profound impact of digital technologies on the continent’s film industry.
Musawa also acknowledged the Nigerian government’s commitment to fostering a conducive environment for the growth of the creative economy through favorable policies, international agreements, and digital platforms. She recognized the significant contributions of the Honourable Minister of the FCT, Barrister Nyesom Wike, and Dr. Maria Mahmoud in advancing the Nigerian Film Corporation’s (NFC) initiatives.
She described Abuja as an emerging cultural and creative hub, encouraging festival-goers to explore both Abuja and Lagos as centers of cultural activity and tourism.
Similarly, the Minister of Tourism, Lola Ade John, echoed Musawa’s sentiments regarding the interconnectedness of the film industry and tourism.
“Every location has a story, and through film, we translate these stories into entertainment that captivates youth and women,” Ade John remarked, referencing Nigeria’s rising global prominence in entertainment and a recent trip to South Korea where Nigerian films attracted significant interest.
She expressed optimism for Nigeria’s future on the global stage, even predicting that the country could secure an Oscar in the near future. “Our journey has been long, but our creativity will carry us far,” she stated, highlighting the growth of Nollywood since the 1980s.
As preparations for the Zuma Film Festival gather momentum, the collaboration between the Ministry of Art and Culture and the FCT administration signifies a broader effort to position Nigeria as a global center for creativity. With Abuja emerging as a vibrant cultural destination, the future of African cinema appears bright, driven by a digital transformation that promises to expand its influence worldwide.
Speaking earlier, the Managing Director/Chief Executive of the Nigerian Film Corporation, remarked, Dr. Ali Nuhu “Today marks a significant milestone in our journey towards enhancing Nigeria’s vibrant film industry, Nollywood, through our flagship event, the Zuma International Film Festival. As we announce the 14th edition themed ‘Digital Renaissance: Embracing the Future,’ we reaffirm our commitment to stakeholders, the government, and our global partners.
“The Zuma International Film Festival is more than an event; it’s a movement that promotes Nigeria’s cultural and creative economy. The festival creates jobs, empowers youth, and fosters collaboration across borders. This year, we highlight the transformative power of digital technology in filmmaking, with over 3,120 film submissions from countries including Nigeria, Iran, India, the USA, Spain, and France. I’m proud to announce the Head of Jury for ZUFF 2024. She is none other than the award-winning filmmaker and actress, Stephanie Okereke Linus, whose creative engagement has inspired many both within and beyond our shores. Along with other distinguished film experts as jury members, their task of processing and selecting entries remains crucial.”
