Events

Zuma International Film Festival Returns Stronger

Published

11 months ago

October 15, 2025

Zuma International Film Festival 2025 set for Abuja as NFC vows to boost Nigeria’s creative economy and global storytelling influence

Zuma International Film Festival has been officially announced by the Nigerian Film Corporation (NFC) as it prepares to host the 2025 edition in Abuja, reaffirming its mission to position Nigeria as Africa’s foremost creative hub and a centre for cinematic excellence.

Also read: Hannatu Musa Musawa Hails Zuma Film Festival

The world press conference, held on Monday at the Vento Showroom, Jabi Lake Mall, Abuja, brought together top stakeholders from the film industry, government institutions, and global partners.

Delivering the keynote address, the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of the NFC, Dr. Ali Nuhu, said the festival scheduled for December 1 to 5 would build on its legacy as a premier platform for cultural exchange, investment, and global storytelling.

“Since its debut in 1993, the Zuma International Film Festival has become a living symbol of our creative pride — a celebration of the stories that define us, the filmmakers who give them life, and the audiences who carry them forward,” Nuhu said.

He described film as more than entertainment — “it is memory, history, and soft power capable of shaping how the world sees Nigeria.”

This year’s theme, “Storytelling for Global Influence: Film as a Soft Power and Economic Force,” underscores the growing influence of cinema in driving economic and cultural diplomacy across Africa.

Nuhu revealed that the 2025 edition had received over 3,156 film submissions from countries including Nigeria, India, France, China, South Africa, Egypt, the United States, Spain, Germany, Tunisia, and Iran.

He expressed gratitude to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for prioritising the creative sector, and to the Minister of Art, Culture, Tourism and the Creative Economy, Barr. Hannatu Musa Musawa, for her continued support.

“When leadership invests in art, a nation invests in its identity,” Nuhu said, while also commending the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA), led by Barr. Nyesom Wike and Dr. Mariya Mahmoud, for co-hosting the festival.

In her remarks, Minister Hannatu Musa Musawa praised the NFC for its consistency in sustaining the Zuma Festival as a global brand that strengthens Nigeria’s creative economy.

“Nigeria’s film industry, widely known as Nollywood, remains a reflection of our rich cultural heritage and a vital contributor to national development,” she said.

She noted that the Tinubu administration’s initiatives — including IDICE, CLAP, and the Creative Economic Development Fund (CEDF) — have continued to create jobs and foster sustainable growth in the creative space.

Musawa added that the Zuma International Film Festival is not only a cinematic celebration but also a strategic platform to expand investment and position Nigeria’s film industry globally.

The Minister announced a series of special events for the 2025 edition, including the NFC Film Annual Lecture, the Emerging Talent Showcase, the Film Trade & Finance Forum, Co-Production and Pitching Sessions, daily screenings, and the ZUMA Awards Night.

“Together, we can amplify the voice of Nigerian and African cinema to the world,” she declared. “I look forward to welcoming everyone to Abuja this December for an exciting and impactful event.”

Also read: Vice President Shettima to keynote Zuma international film festival

The 2025 Zuma International Film Festival, organised by the NFC in partnership with the FCTA, promises to be a dynamic convergence of filmmakers, investors, policymakers, and creative entrepreneurs from across Africa and beyond.

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Rechael Okonkwo’s Carnival Brings Free Healthcare to 5,000 Residents

Published

4 days ago

September 2, 2026

Mariam Balogun

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Culture

WAKE UP! Art Exhibition Returns for a Second Act

Published

1 week ago

August 27, 2026

Mariam Balogun

The contemporary art and photography exhibition “Wake Up!” is back again for a second edition.

Curated by Awele Onwordi, Wake Up! 2 exhibition pays homage to the Nigerian youth and burgeoning street culture which many of its contributing artists reference in their works.

Also read: Five rising stars battle for 2026 Headies Next Rated

Titled “Young, Wild, Free”, the exhibition celebrates the creativity, resilience, freedom and cultural influence found in Nigerian youth.

Taking aim at societal issues and economic concerns, the exhibit reflects the youth and their refusal to compromise or bow despite all the challenges stacked against them while charting youth culture through art, music, fashion, skateboarding, photography and community.

The exhibition will be held, once again, at the Angel and Muse Gallery at 25 Sumbo Jibowu street off Ribadu Road off Awolowo Road in Ikoyi.

It will open on Saturday 5 September 2026 and will run until 11 September 2026
This second edition which focuses on celebrating, nurturing and exploring artistic practices rooted in youth and street culture will feature works from DENCITY and SUPERGLIDER HOUSE.

Exhibiting artists include Ajilore Kehinde – their work is deeply influenced by Nigerian street culture and works of other artists like Slawn, Peters Ejiro, etc, Chuka Onwordi – graphic designer who embodies themes of death, melancholy and beauty in his works, ZIDYEP – Abuja based creative whose works move between digital and physical spaces through art, graphic design and air brushing , Franklyn Okoye – graphic designer and artist whose works explore themes of identity and hyper-reality, Awele Onwordi – founder & curator of WAKE UP and multidisciplinary artist whose practice spans character art, creative logo design, album covers and more , Oluchi Kogolo – digital illustrator whose work explores street culture, personality and storytelling through a raw and playful visual style and Kozetuo Apeji – multidisciplinary artists who work explores experimental approaches to problem solving through both digital and traditional art forms.

Commenting on the exhibition in her curatorial statement, Awele noted that “despite economic instability, limited opportunities and socio-political challenges, Nigerian youth continue to shape culture through music, fashion, art, skateboarding, raves, photography and community.”

Also read: Five rising stars battle for 2026 Headies Next Rated

Continuing and harping on the raison d’etre of the exhibition she said, “Young, Wild and Free exists to celebrate Nigerian youth while also creating a platform that supports and amplifies them.”