By Priscilla Osaje
The Nigerian Film Corporation (NFC) has said the Zuma International Film Festival (ZUFF) will deepen cultural exchange, attract meaningful investment, and strengthen the creative value chain from development to cinema distribution.
Dr Ali Nuhu, Managing Director of NFC, made the remark at the opening of the 15th edition of ZUFF on Monday in Abuja.
Nuhu, who also serves as chief executive chairman of the festival, said the theme for this year’s edition, “Storytelling for Global Influence: Film as a Soft Power and Economic Force,” was a reminder that film is not only for entertainment.
According to him, the festival has become a statement of who Nigerians are; a nation of storytellers, cultural ambassadors, and creative innovators whose voices continue to resonate far beyond the country’s borders.
“Today, as we gather again, we reaffirm that identity with pride. This year’s festival comes at a time when Nigerian and African stories are influencing global culture more than ever.
“Across borders and digital platforms, our narratives are shaping conversations, sparking curiosity, and opening doors for new collaborations.
“Such momentum is what brings us together today. Film is not only diplomacy and heritage but also an economic strategy on how nations shape perceptions and build bridges,” Nuhu said.
He added that this year’s festival has been intentionally curated to strengthen the creative value chain from development to distribution.
“From masterclasses and roundtables to co-production forums, national days hosted by foreign embassies, business sessions, free screenings, and exhibitions, every element of ZUFF is designed to spark new partnerships, elevate talent, and expand opportunities for practitioners at all levels.”
Nuhu extended appreciation to President Bola Tinubu; the FCT Administration under Mr Nyesom Wike and Dr Mariyam Mahmoud; and Minister of Art, Culture, Tourism and Creative Economy, Hannatu Musawa.
He also thanked the National Assembly Committees on Art, Culture & Creative Economy and international partners from China, Germany, Spain, Iran, and South Africa for their support.
He also thanked sponsors, guilds, associations, partners, and friends of Nigerian cinema, noting: “Your collaboration is the engine that has kept ZUFF growing, evolving, and connecting our industry to the world.
“Together, we are building a stronger, more inclusive, and globally competitive film ecosystem”.
Musawa, represented by Obi Asika, Director-General of the National Council for Arts and Culture (NCAC), expressed excitement over the presence of an international jury and the screening of international films.
She commended Nollywood’s trajectory and urged pioneers to document the industry’s achievements to preserve its legacy.
Asika, speaking in his capacity as NCAC DG, called on government to support broadcasters, commissioning producers, and television stations to tell the story of Nollywood itself, highlighting the value and capacity inherent in these narratives.
Dr Shaibu Husseini, Director-General of the National Film and Video Censors Board (NFCVB), said film is not just an entertainment tool but a form of soft power and economic force, and urged stakeholders to explore how the industry can reach global audiences.
Mr Gholamreza Mahdavi Raga, Ambassador of the Islamic Republic of Iran to Nigeria, said the festival fosters cultural exchange and lasting connections.
He noted Iran’s participation with two films and an educational webinar, emphasizing the contribution to young filmmakers’ development and the exchange of artistic ideas.
Mr Yang Jianxing, Cultural Counselor of the Chinese Embassy in Nigeria and Director of the China Cultural Center, added that film connects people heart to heart and deepens mutual understanding between countries.
He congratulated the NFC and hoped participants would enjoy the Chinese films showcased at the festival. (NAN)
Edited by Ekemini Ladejobi
