“The Zuma International Film Festival is more than an event; it is a movement.” –Dr. Ali Nuhu MD, Nigerian Film Coporation
Much more than gathering film makers from inside and out of the country, the Zuma International Film Festival is the authentic platform for telling and showcasing the Nigeria story.
More excitingly, Nigeria produces some of the brightest minds behind and in front of the camera, making her a leader in the continent. But the country’s film and entertainment industry is still grappling with some serious issues that, if resolved, will establish Nigeria as a centre for the best artists and creators in Africa.
These days, the film and entertainment industries are being redefined in a special way by streaming services like Spotify, Netflix, Showmax, and others. They are setting up unusual requirements and standards for film and music makers who want to get their films and other creatives in the faces of millions digitally and globally. This has created a new challenge for all stakeholders in the industry, who must now step up or else remain at the backside of the world and never be heard.
The following lines will look at the crucial tactics that the organisers of the Zuma International Film Festival 2024 have determined are important. These strategies are expected to strengthen and expand local and international collaborations, highlight innovations, and promote Nigerian storytelling.
Let’s get started.
Considering Nigerian cinema’s future
The future of film is here; however, the question is, how prepared are we to connect? This is why the theme of the 2024 edition of the Zuma International Film Festival (ZIFF) is “Digital Renaissance, embracing the future.”.
The five-day event will feature a number of exciting activities, including brainstorming sessions with local and international industry stakeholders about what steps need to be taken to secure the future of film in Nigeria and throughout the continent.
In considering the future of Nigerian cinema, stakeholders in the Nigerian film industry should use the opportunity provided by this festival to have an overview of the present position of the entire industry and seek the way forward in order to plug in successfully to the ongoing radical shift, where technology is influencing the future of film globally.
For instance, technology is not only shaping consumer expectations, but also changing distribution strategies. Eventually, what is emanating may probably look like a convergence of traditional cinema, innovative technologies, especially AI and issues of environmental sustainability.
Finding and promoting best partnerships and collaborations
The world is a global village, meaning that some decisions made by any member may inevitably affect the other. Put in another way, partnerships and collaborations are the buzzwords of the globalization era, which also offers huge opportunities for leveraging.
ZUFF’s strategic collaboration with the Embassy of the United States of America, the Embassy of Spain, and South Africa has helped to expose the Nigerian film industry and its value chain to many benefits, including the offering of scholarships to young Nigerian intending film makers who are now at advanced levels. .
Nonetheless, organizers of Zuma International Film Festival 2024 are looking to get beyond the norm of just talking to thinking strategically and out of the box on how to robustly tap into the wisdom of her partners, who have the wherewithal and all it takes to revolutionize the system for mutual benefits.
Rewarding hard work and best practices
In a consistent drive to enhance quality of film production and other practices along its value chain in Nigeria and in Africa, the Zuma International Film Festival rewards individuals and groups who distinguish themselves through their innovation, hard work and support for in the industry.
Among many of the past awardees are the veteran actress Joke Silver, Alex Eyengho, Funke Akindele, and veteran filmmaker and cinematographer Tunde Kelani.
Similarly, in the 2024 edition, the awards will feature in the grand finale of the festival. It is expected that the awards will honour best films and filmmakers, as well as A-list actors and actresses, diplomatic dignitaries and industry leaders from around the world.
Upskilling through knowledge transfer from film Masters
Knowledge transfer in the film industry refers to professionals in the field sharing, disseminating, and imparting skills, knowledge, techniques, and creative insights to one another. This approach is crucial for developing talent, encouraging creativity, and securing the expansion and sustainability of the sector.
Equally, knowledge transfer will be a major feature at the 2024 edition. Channels. such as workshops, masterclasses, talk shows, and exhibitions will be engaged in order to stimulate innovative minds of the young and upcoming film makers. It will also be a life’s time opportunity to learn from well-known and experienced film makers, screenwriters, etc.
Promoting healthy Competitiveness through ZUFF 2024
Towards the 2024 Zuma International Film Festival in Abuja, Nigeria, the organizers confirmed that about 3,120 film submissions were received. Some of which have come from diasporas, such as the USA, India, Spain, Iran and France. These films will pass through a screening committee made of seasoned industry experts, drawn from various sectors of the film ecosystem, in order to determine the winning entries in the chosen categories.
Interestingly, this process helps to promote healthy competitiveness and an increased sense of producing stories that appeal to varied kinds of audiences and that can withstand various criticisms.
In conclusion, the Zuma International Film Festival continues to be Africa’s leading platform for telling authentic stories, celebrating creatives and creators, and promoting cultural exchanges and international collaborations. Most especially, it has offered an elevated platform for showcasing Nigeria’s local stories that are now breaking international boundaries.
The Nigerian story may not be authentic unless it is told by Nigerians.
