Abuja, Nigeria, witnessed the grand inauguration of the 13th edition of the Zuma Film Festival (ZUFF) on December 1st, 2023. Recognized as Nigeria’s premier national film festival, ZUFF is slated to captivate audiences until December 8th, providing a dynamic platform for enthusiasts and creative stakeholders including emerging talents in the film industry.
The excellent organization of the film festival is a manifestation of a great collaborative effort between the Nigerian Film Corporation (NFC) the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) and the Ministry of Arts, Culture and Creative Economy shows a testament to the collective commitment to advancing the nation’s film industry.
The kickoff ceremony which was presided over on behalf of the FCT minister by the permanent secretary of FCT, Mr Adesola Olysade, was spiced up with the screening of a Nigerian film, titled Ofala, directed by James Amuta, and a Spanish film titled, Campeones directed by Javier Fesser with colorful cultural dance performances.
The Permanent Secretary gave an assurance that the FCT authority is always delighted to host and also provide platforms such as the film festival to showcase Nigerian talents and innovations in the film industry.
Dr. Chidia Maduekwe, the Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian Film Corporation and Chairman of the Zuma Film Festival Planning Committee at the ceremony expressed immense joy and fulfillment in extending a warm welcome to attendees. He acknowledged the pivotal support and approvals from the Honorable Ministers of Art, Culture & Creative Economy and the Federal Capital Territory, essential in making the festival a reality.
ZUFF 2023 promises to showcase Nigeria’s rich tapestry of audio-visual and cultural products, projects, and exhibitions. Collaborations with key entities such as the National Bureau of Statistics, NIHOTOUR, Nigerian Television Authority (NTA), and embassies of countries such as the United States, Spain, France, South Africa, and Germany played a vital role in the festival’s success.
Dr. Maduekwe emphasized the commitment to establishing ZUFF as an annual national event, with Abuja serving as the host city. The 2023 edition is designed to build on past successes and foster increased domestic and foreign collaborations, contributing to the growth of the nation’s film industry.
ZUFF 2023 itinerary boasts of a diverse lineup of events, including masterclasses, emerging talent filmmakers training, film business seminars, roundtable discussions, national days/exhibitions by foreign embassies, gastronomy glimpses, film awards, daily free film screenings, and the climax of the film festival on December 8, is the famous ZUMAAWARD NIGHT.
Aligning with the 8-Point Agenda by the Federal Ministry of Art, Culture & Creative Economy, ZUFF 2023 contributes to the vision of DESTINATION NIGERIA 2030. Dr. Maduekwe highlighted the focus on Film Tax Rebates as an additional revenue stream for economic growth, a subject explored in the Annual Film Lecture.
As ZUFF 2023 unfolds, it promises a vibrant blend of opportunities for film enthusiasts, policymakers, investment experts, filmmakers, and exhibitors. Abuja, the nation’s capital, stands as the proud host city, inviting all attendees to immerse themselves in the dynamic ambiance of this cultural celebration.
