FG to explore hidden treasures in movie industry for economic dev’t, says Nuhu

By Chris Ochayi

The Federal Government has reiterated commitment to explore the hidden treasures in the film industry in order to attract meaningful investment into the country.

It noted that beyond entertainment , the industry plays key roles in advancing strategic economic development and how nations shape perceptions and build bridges

Managing Director/Chief Executive, Nigerian Film Corporation and
Host, Zuma International Film Festival, Dr. Ali Nuhu, stated this while speaking on Monday night during the Light Up Night (opening ceremony) of 2025 Zuma International Film Festival in Abuja

He said, “It is an honour and a profound personal joy to welcome you to the 15th Edition of the Zuma International Film Festival here in the capital city Abuja.

“This year’s festival comes at a time when Nigerian and African stories are influencing global culture more than ever before. Across borders and digital platforms, our narratives are shaping conversations, sparking curiosity, and opening doors for new collaborations. That momentum is what brings us together today.

“The theme for ZUMA 2025 “Storytelling for Global Influence: Film as a Soft Power and Economic Force” reminds us that film is not only entertainment. It is diplomacy. It is heritage. It is economic strategy. It is how nations shape perceptions and build bridges.

“Through this festival, we will explore how cinema can deepen cultural exchange, attract meaningful investment, and strengthen the creative value chain from development to distribution.

“Our festival this year has been intentionally curated to achieve that vision. From masterclasses and roundtables to co-production forums, national days by foreign embassies, business sessions, free screenings, exhibitions, and the ZUMA Awards every element is designed to spark new partnerships, elevate talent, and expand opportunities for practitioners at all levels.”

Dr. Nuhu also used the occasion to extend appreciation to His Excellency, President Ahmed Bola Tinubu, GCFR; the FCT Administration under Barr. Nyesom Wike and Dr. Mariyam Mahmoud; the Honourable Minister of Art, Culture, Tourism and Creative Economy, Barr. Hannatu Musawa.

He also appreciated the National Assembly Committees on Art, Culture & Creative Economy; our international partners from China, Germany, Spain, Iran, and South Africa; and His Excellency Barrister Caleb Manasseh Mutfwang, who will deliver this year’s Annual Film Lecture.

“Your support strengthens our mission and reinforces the place of film within national development.

“To our sponsors, guilds, associations, partners and friends of Nigerian cinema thank you for your unwavering belief in this festival. Your collaboration is the engine that has kept Zuma growing, evolving and connecting our industry to the world.

“Together, we are building a stronger, more inclusive, more globally competitive film ecosystem.

“As we open this edition, I invite all of us filmmakers, investors, policymakers, scholars, and enthusiasts to immerse ourselves in the conversations, the films, the ideas and the energy that this festival brings.

“Let us challenge ourselves, inspire one another, and continue transforming our creative gifts into global impact.”

In his remarks, the representatives of the Minister of Art, Culture, Tourism and Creative Economy, Barr. Hannatu Musawa, Dr. Obi Asika emphasized the importance of documentation to film industry .

He said, “Everybody says and talks about innovation and auditions in 2025, but I think if you go back to 1992 or 1991 or so, when the people who were the pioneers of Nollywood actually created all the auditions that have created this industry, then I’d love to give a shout out to all of the pioneers who are present.

” I know some of them are here, and I think that when we talk about Nollywood, one of the big things as well is to tell the story of how Nollywood came to be as well.

“These are things that concern me all the time, because as much as you keep achieving new things, if you don’t document what you’ve achieved, somebody will come later and maybe claim that achievement.”

He added that, “The flagship film festival that belongs to the Federal Government, being run by the Nigerian Film Corporation, and I’m really happy to see that we have an international jury this year and a bunch of international films being presented, as well as the directors.

“One of the key things, and I think DG, Dr. Nuhu who was speaking about this earlier, is about the power of storytelling. I think for us in Nigeria, and in terms of Nollywood, I really think Nollywood needs to have almost like a standing ovation, because if you really understand the trajectory and the journey of Nollywood, you know that Nollywood is all about disruption.”