By: AUSTINE EMMANUEL, Kaduna
France, India, USA and other countries will be attending the 6th Kaduna International Film Festival (KADIFF), slated for August 22 to 26, 2023 with the theme, “The Globalization of Film and It’s Impact on the World.”
The Founder and Executive Director, Kaduna International Film Festival, Israel Kashim Audu, disclosed this during a press conference held in Kaduna today, said the countries were rigorously screened by the organisers.
Other countries that will be participating in the festival according to Israel, include, Morocco, Nigeria, Nepal, Burkina Faso, Uganda, Trinidad and Tobago, among others.
The Executive Director, further stressed that they will be hosting the first Northern Film Summit in Kano from July 22 to 23, 2023, in partnership with Afristar Media, Mush Entertainment and Soundcore Group.
Israel also reiterated that the 2023 film festival has the European Union, Sumal Foods, Africa Magic, Alliance Française de Kaduna, the Embassy of France, Mexico in Abuja, Afristar Media, Chivita, Ezzykash Media Concept and Waptv as brand partners.
He further noted that the festival will feature activities like film screenings, exhibitions, tourism, awards, panel discussions, parties, cultural displays, networking among others.
He said, “after weeks of private screening of the submitted films by the 6th Kaduna international film festival board of jurors 52 films were selected from countries like Uganda, India, Burkina Faso, Nigeria, France, USA, Nepal, Morocco, Trinidad and Tobago among others. Although we had more entries from India while we have 13 categories of nominees for awards.
“I can confirm that nominees from different countries will be attending this year’s festival.
During the festival we shall feature other activities like film screenings, exhibitions, tourism, awards, panel discussions, parties, cultural displays, networking among others.
“The film festival this year has the following brands as partners; European Union, Sumal Foods, Africa Magic, Alliance Française de Kaduna State Nigeria, Embassy of France Abuja, Embassy of Mexico Abuja, Afristar Media, Chivita, Ezzykash Media Concept and Waptv.
“We shall be hosting the first Northern Film Summit in Kano State on 22nd and 23rd July 2023 in partnership with Afristar media, mush entertainment and Soundcore Group, while the 6th Kaduna International Film Festival will begin from 22nd to 26th August 2023 at Alliance Française de Kaduna State Nigeria.
“I would say that film is vital to society. We have all watched movies or comedy programs such as the Simpsons, South Park, Super Story, New Masquerade, Living in bondage and Family Guy, among others across the world. Yes, these are fictional shows, but they can be influential to some people.
“For some, film is simply a matter of entertainment and pleasure. Most people go to the movies to have a good time. They want to be transported to another world for two hours, to forget the stress of their job or other worries. That is one of the reasons why film is so important as an art form – it offers people a momentary escape from reality, regardless of what kind of movie they’re watching.
“As I reflect on the journey of the Kaduna International Film Festival since it began in 2018, I want to thank God for giving me the strength to sustain the festival and projecting Kaduna state and northern Nigeria to the world despite the challenges I and the team faced most especially in the area of financial support.
“I can proudly say that we have reached over 68 countries since the festival began. While we prepare to host the 6th edition of the film festival again, I urge government at all levels, philanthropists, and privilege Nigerians to please come together and support the Nigerian film industry so that we can continue to do more projects and promote our rich culture to the world.” He noted.
