Vice-President Senator Kashim Shettima will deliver the keynote lecture at the 2024 Zuma International Film Festival, a prestigious event showcasing the best of African and global cinema.
Minister of Art, Culture, and Creative Economy, Hannatu Musawa, announced this while briefing newsmen on Tuesday in Abuja. She said the festival, scheduled to take place from December 1st to December 5th, 2024, would serve as a space for creative collaboration, industry innovation, and cultural exchange.
The event, organized by the Nigerian Film Corporation (NFC) in partnership with the Federal Capital Territory Administration, has grown over the years into one of Africa’s leading platforms for filmmakers, industry stakeholders, and film enthusiasts.
Musawa said the Vice-President’s lecture, titled Digital Ecosystem Redefining African Cinema, would explore how digital solutions are transforming the film industry by driving job creation, wealth generation, and regional trade.
She added that the lecture aims to position Nigeria not just as Africa’s creative hub, but as a global cultural force.
“This is a pivotal moment for Nigeria’s creative and cultural industries,” Musawa said. “The world is increasingly captivated by our talent and stories, and the Vice-President’s lecture will address the crucial role of the digital ecosystem in revitalizing African cinema.
“The Nigerian government is creating an enabling environment through supportive policies, international agreements, and digital platforms.”
She further emphasized, “As we move into a digital era, it is important that Nigeria, Africa, and the rest of the world move forward together. The creative industry, particularly film and music, is a powerful medium to share this transformation.”
Musawa explained that the event would also include interactive discussions with a panel of distinguished experts from across the continent, examining the implications of the digital landscape for the film industry.
She commended the Minister of FCT, Barrister Nyesom Wike, and Minister of State for FCT, Dr. Maria Mahmoud, for their continued collaboration with the NFC in hosting the Zuma International Film Festival. “Abuja is becoming the cultural and creative heart of the country,” Musawa noted.
She also highlighted efforts to elevate Abuja’s status in global creative and cultural events, urging attendees to visit both Lagos for the December festivities and Abuja, which is set to become a center of creativity and tourism through new initiatives and partnerships with the FCT Ministry.
The Minister of Tourism, Lola Ade John, also shared her reflections, emphasizing the significance of storytelling in tourism.
“Every location has a story, and through film, we’ve translated these stories into entertainment that attracts youth and women alike,” she said.
John expressed her pride in Nigeria’s global recognition in the entertainment industry, recounting her recent trip to South Korea where they expressed interest in Nigerian films.
“I’m confident that Nigeria will achieve global recognition, even winning an Oscar someday,” she added, highlighting the growth of Nigeria’s film industry since the 1980s.
“The journey has been long, but our creativity and hard work will take us far. There’s a deep connection between the creative economy and tourism, and I believe we are just scratching the surface of what we can achieve.”
The Minister of State for the FCT, Maryam Mahmoud, also spoke about the significance of the Zuma Film Festival, calling it a platform for collaboration, inspiration, and cultural exchange.
“This festival goes beyond cinematic creativity. It is a vibrant platform that bridges cultures and sparks important conversations,” she stated.
Mahmoud expressed hope that the festival will leave a lasting impact beyond the current administration, and that each year will surpass the last in its contributions to Nigerian and African cinema.
She thanked the attendees for their support and wished them a successful festival.
