By Hussaina Yakubu

The Executive Director of the Kaduna International Film Festival (KADIFF), Mr Audu Israel, says the 8th edition of the festival is a call for filmmakers to use their craft to drive social change, shape public opinion and inspire positive action.

Speaking during the world press briefing in Kaduna on Thursday, Israel said the 2025 edition themed “Film for Social Change”, reinforced the growing influence of cinema as a tool for advocacy, policy influence, and societal transformation.

He said film possesses the unique ability to mirror societal issues and influence behaviors due to its combination of image, story, and sound.

“From love, death, hope, peace, and violence film is a medium that resonates with all ages.

“It can entertain, educate, and inspire people to act,” he stated.

According to him, society continues to absorb the influence of film through media consumption, particularly among youths who spend hours daily on platforms like TikTok and Instagram.

“With the power of film, creators have the responsibility to become drivers of the future.

“Sometimes we feel small, but big stories always start small,” Israel said.

He revealed that the festival had received over 2,000 film submissions from more than 50 countries, with Uganda topping entries for the third consecutive year.

He added that a total of 168 films were shortlisted from 15 countries including Nigeria, Kenya, France, USA, India, Russia, Ghana, and others.

Israel said the festival, which would hold from August 26 to 30, 2025, would feature screenings, masterclasses, workshops, cultural displays, exhibitions, panel sessions, awards and tourism to iconic sites such as the Zazzau Emirate, Kaduna Museum, Fifth Chukker and Arewa House.

The main screening venue will be Silverbird Cinema, Galaxy Mall, while other activities will take place at Stonehedge Hotel.

In a bid to empower youths, Israel said this year’s festival would train 200 young people in various skills including Pizza making, Yogurt, Paint, Palm Oil, Hand Burger, and local incense production.

Starter packs will also be given to some of the participants.

He said the event, which is in partnership with Lipton, had invited young filmmakers to submit short films, not more than 10 minutes.

They will be on the theme ‘Breakfast with Lipton’ from July 24 to August 21, while winners will be announced at the closing ceremony on August 30.

He appreciated the support of the Kaduna state government under Gov. Uba Sani.

Israel also acknowledged partners such as Afrexim Bank, MTN, Africa Magic, MacArthur Foundation, EU, Lipton, Swan Water, NCC, Air Peace, and the National Council for Arts and Culture, among others.

Israel, who is also the Vice Chairman of the Nigerian Film Festivals Association, appealed to stakeholders and investors to support local film festivals as platforms for networking, marketing, and global exposure for Nigerian creatives.

“We look forward to welcoming you all to the beautiful city of Kaduna,” he said. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Bashir Rabe Mani