Zuma Film Festival: Minister calls for upliftment of African cinema

The Minister of State, Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA), Dr. Mariya Mahmoud, has called on relevant stakeholders in the film industry to continue to celebrate and uplift African cinema.

Mahmoud made the call at the closing ceremony/award night of the foremost Zuma Film Festival in Abuja on Thursday.

She said this would ensure that voices from our continent are heard on every stage around the world.

The minister was represented by Maigida Adamu Kuku, State Coordinator on Special Investment Programmes.

Mahmoud said over the past few days, they had witnessed the remarkable talents and innovation that defined the essence of African and global cinema.

According to her, such talents and innovation emanated from documentaries to groundbreaking narratives, as well as true celebration of true storytelling.

“Our team members` work inspires, educates, and challenges perception; the voice of this generation and your creativity have illuminated our straining hearts.

“This gathering operates in line with visionaries and foreign tiers of the world, proving that the power of cinema transcends borders, unites all, and tells the stories that need to be told,” she said.

The minister thanked the sponsors, partners, and organisers for their unwavering support, as well as their contributions, which had made the platform possible in empowering artists and audiences alike.

She said that the audiences were the tool that has been the cinema through supporting this film and engaging in conversation.

“You are essential in keeping this art alive. As we leave this place, let us take the stories, the lessons, and the inspiration with us.

” Let us continue to celebrate and uplift African cinema and ensure that the voices from our continent are heard on every stage around the world.

”It is my sincere prayer that the spirit of the Zuma Film Festival will continue to inspire us to recreate and share.

“As an administration, we will continue to support initiatives that will not only promote art but also things that unite us as people,” she said.

In his remarks, Dr. Ali Nuhu, Managing Director of the Nigerian Film Corporation (NFC), said that the film festival has rekindled the spirit of collaboration and innovation that defined the film industry.

Nuhu, who is also the chairman of the Zuma International Film Festival Planning Committee, said that measuring the true impact of cinema was not in the awards bestowed, applause heard, or the stories being told.

According to him, it is in moments like these where we come together, transcending borders and barriers, united by our shared passion for the magic of the silver screen.

Nuhu called on stakeholders to navigate the digital renaissance and remember that while technology evolves, the essence of storytelling remains unchanged.

“Your dedication ensured that over 250 film content creators and emerging talents received invaluable training, strengthening the connection between veteran filmmakers and the next generation of digital creative minds,” he added.

Nuhu expressed gratitude to Vice President Kashim Shettima for delivering the 2024 NFC Annual Film Lecture.

“Your insights on digital solutions for the development of African cinema have been enlightening and transformative, he said.

He also appreciated all the ministers’ unwavering support, which has been instrumental in making this festival a resounding success.