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By Priscilla Osaje
Gov. Caleb Mutfwang of Plateau State has urged creative practitioners to seek partnerships by leveraging new platforms to build skills of becoming a value chain from production to distribution.
Mutfwang made this call at the Annual Film Lecture of Nigerian Film Corporation (NFC), organiser of Zuma International Film Festival (ZUFF) on Wednesday in Abuja.
The lecture is entitled “From Policy to Power: The Future Africa’s Cinematic Influence”.
The governor, who was represented by Mr Cornelius Doeyok, Commissioner of Tourism, Culture and Hospitality, said that investors or private sector actors have to ‘open their eyes’ to the creative economy.
According to him, “Film is no longer a hobby industry, but it is a business with global reach, commercial potential and cultural value.
“If you are from academia or training institutions, tailor your programmes to the needs of the film ecosystem, technical ability, storytelling, distribution and business models.
“If you are from Plateau State or any sub-national region claim your place. Use your unique cultural, environmental and historical assets to become a film-hub; collaborate with national players.
“I urge this audience to see film not just as entertainment, but as industry, infrastructure and national asset.
“Let us hold ourselves accountable and each stakeholder plays a part and the power lies in conjunction,” he stressed.
Mutfwang added that it was time for everyone to coordinate policy with partnership and practice, by going back to studios, institutions, offices, classrooms and ask ‘what to do today to shift from policy to power’.
Speaking on the future outlook and inspiring vision, the governor said the creatives should imagine positive outcome from a scenario in Nigeria and across Africa, where film production hubs were flourishing across multiple states.
He added that they should also imagine where filmmakers from places like Plateau were telling stories that resonate at home and abroad, as well as young Nigerians employed in technical crew, post-production, animation, sound design.
“Imagine where Nigerian films dominate African box offices and hold their own globally; where tax incentives, studios, modern equipment, distribution platforms, streaming services and tourism are all integrated into one vibrant creative ecosystem.
“Picture Plateau State as a film destination, scenic locations for shooting, a well-equipped studio complex, a training academy supporting local talent, annual film festival attracting national and international attention, niche storytelling drawing from the diverse cultures of the Middle Belt region.
“Picture a film sector that contributes significantly to the state’s GDP, to job-creation, to community development.
“That is the vision I present today: a film industry powered by policy, but fuelled by partnerships, anchored on progressive and tangible actions and Pan-African in reach.
“A film industry that tells our stories, preserves our identities, drives our economy, and projects our brand globally. I invite you to believe in this future and to invest your mind, your time, your resources to realise it,” he said.
Mutfwang further said that the presence of stakeholders underscored the importance they attached to the power and influence storytelling, through the film medium, wields within any creative economy.
He added that together they were determined to transform film activities into a viable, vibrant and impactful socio-economic project.
According to him, considering the statistics, the Nigerian media and entertainment industry, led by film Nollywood produced approximately 2,500 films in 2020 and it had progressed though since then.
He noted that the industry contributed meaningfully to our national economy: as of recent data, the film and entertainment sector contributed about US$1.4 billion (₦1.97 trillion) to Nigeria’s GDP, representing significant growth over prior years.
Mutfwang further said that policy was necessary, but it was not sufficient, adding that they must pursue with urgency and integrity the power that oils the operational, implementation wheel and transformative policy in action.
“We must build structures, partnerships, financing, distribution and capacity so that film is not just talked about, but done, scaled, sustained, promoted and exported as a commodity that creates jobs, increases wealth and reduces poverty.
“Policy must shift to power, it is not enough to draft film policies, pass legislations or host film related conversations.
“What matters is converting those policies into operational systems that empower stakeholders, stimulate investment, sustain creative ecosystems and deliver cultural, economic and social value.
“I wish to express my sincere appreciation to the NFC and her partners for affording me this platform, at a time when Africa’s cultural and creative industries are poised for transformation, the place of Plateau State in that trajectory is worthy of note,” he said.
Dr Ali Nuhu, Managing Director/Chief Executive of NFC, in his remark, said the ‘Annual Film Lecture’ series aimed at addressing challenges, offer innovative solutions, identify opportunities and ignite possibilities.
Nuhu said that the lecture was to also secure the commitments and participation of all relevant stakeholders towards the sustainable growth and development of the creative economy.
According to him, the ‘Annual Film Lecture’ series, introduced in the year 2006, has also sought to address and proffer workable solutions to aid practitioners and stakeholders’ performances and engagements.
He added that such has helped in addressing threats that abound within Nigeria’s creative ecosystem, particularly the film industry.
NFC further said the film lecture series, including that of today, presents another unique opportunity for them to address issues affecting the development of Nigeria’s creative economy.
“The evolvement of national policy frameworks, which have been the hallmark of past editions; with strong buy-ins and domestication by sub-national governments is again feasible.
“From being privileged to listen to the historical context of film policy and power, including existing and emerging realities that shapes cinematic influence.
“We will be able to effectively navigate and overcome the challenges of policy-making and implementation in Africa’s most vibrant film sphere – Nigeria.
“With the imperatives of shifting focus from policy to power, readily solutions or strategic directions are inevitable,” he said.
He encouraged them to continue to engage and support export potential and soft-power of Nigerian films as a nation.
“Development of creative and film hubs, studios, provision of soft incentives, and introduction of hybrid creative financing models and innovations backed by actionable policy implementation strategies, are strategic for creative growth and development.” (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
Edited by Ekemini Ladejobi
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