By; JACOB ONJEWU DICKSON
The Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Nigerian Film Corporation, Dr. Chidia Maduekwe has said that the Zuma Film Festival is now one of the foremost in Nigeria, a feat that was achieved through determination and partnerships.
He stated this at the commencement of one-week 12th edition of Zuma Film Festival which started on May 1, 2022.
He said, “Distinguished invited guests, from within Nigeria and abroad, It is with profound joy and great fulfillment that the 12th Edition of Zuma Film Festival running from May 1st to 7th , 2022 in Abuja, Nigeria.”
Dr. Maduekwe added that, “the success is as a result of determination, partnerships and collaboration mounted Zuma Film Festival which has and remains Nigeria’s foremost Film Festival.
“Past editions of the Film Festival have been very impactful on the film industry of Nigeria. Equally because of the networks of domestic and foreign Participation, support and collaboration, the festival has gathered the momentum that both local and foreign investors harness the benefits.
“The NFC has remained unwavering in its commitment by providing this, sustainable platform for the development and growth of Nigeria’s motion picture industry.”
Mr. Maduekwe reiterated that, “the abundant opportunities inherent in this sector in terms of content creation; employment generation and wealth creation, as well as the cross border impact, puts on us the unwavering mandate as an agency of government ever determined to propel the sector in to upping it’s contributions to the development of Nigeria through the creative economic sub-sectors of the economy.
“Accordingly the objectives of the Zuma Film Festival have been: “To provide a platform for film networking between Nigerian filmmakers and their counterparts from other Film countries, explore, expand film co-production opportunities beneficial to Nigerian film makers, recognize and reward cinematic,excellence, entrench professionalism, boast exports potential of Nigeria film and herald as Africa’s tourism and film destination hub.
“As Nigeria’s flagship festival, from the stable of a Pan-African flavor, our determination to improve our annual outings is never in doubt. For the first time, and proudly so, we are, mounting the 12” edition of the film festival with a robust partnership and collaboration with- Federal Capital Territory Administration FCTA).
“This has thus conferred on Abuja, the official host city of Zuma Film Festival line with international practices. FCTA,s involvement in the entire film festival structure is again a demonstration and confirmation of role Zuma film festival can, and would play in the dynamic of culture and economic development of Nigeria,” he said.
The Director General commended Malam Muhammad Musa Bello and Dr, Ramatu Tijani Aliyu, Honourable Minister and Hon. Minister of State, Federal Capital Territory Administration for ensuring the take-off of this partnership and collaboration.
“Equally, | thank Mr. Olusade Ademola Permanent Secretary, Federal Capital Territory Administration and Co-chairman, for his commitment towards a successful Outing.
“NFC remains grateful to Alhaji Lai Mohammed, Honourable Minister of Information & Culture for his unwavering support that has positively impacted on outings,” he added.
He also conveyed Nigeria Film Corporation’s appreciation to His imperial Majesty, Ooni Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, Ojaja II, Ooni of Ife for taking up the role of the festival’s first Royal Grand Patron.
He said the Film Festival’s theme, “SHOW THE MONEY” underscores the immense commercial benefits that can come from investing in the secior.
“Hence, the 2022 edition cf the -ZUFF has been carefully organized to bring together amongst others, film stakeholders investment experts, to offer expertise and unveil opportunities through strategic engagements. | therefore thank all our foreign delegates, foreign Embassies and High Commissions for participating in ZUFF 2022,” he said.
Minister of FCT, Malam Muhammed Musa Bello also commended the organizers of the 12th edition of Zuma Film Festival and assured them of the readiness of FCT to partner with them to promote the industry.
He maintained that, “the Zuma Film Festival is not only entertainment, but creates jobs and opens up opportunities for investors in the industry for investment”.
Apart from the glitz and glamour that will characterize the opening and closing ceremonies, other festival events include the NFC Annual Film Lecture to be delivered by Dr. Ramatu Tijjani Aliyu, Honourable Minister of State, Federal Capital Territory Administration on the “Post Covid-19 Funding Policy Framework Partnerships between the FCTA and the NFC for the Nigerian Film Industry through Rebates, Location Incentive, Tax Credits ond Film Grants.
Others are Masterclasses, Emerging Talent Filmmakers training, film business seminars, roundtable discussions and National Days/Exhibitions by Foreign Embassies in Nigeria, Film-Awards in the Competitive Segment of Film Entries, Daily Free Film Screenings and finally, ZUMA AWARD NIGHT.
All activities and events of ZUFF 2022 have been carefully designed to challenge inner creative minds, excite, inspire and entertain all.
