By Priscilla Osaje
The Nigerian Film Corporation (NFC), says the 2024 edition of the Zuma Film Festival (ZUFF) will hold in Abuja from Dec. 1 to Dec. 5.
Mr Brian Etuk, NFC’s Public Affair Director and Spokesperson for the festival, said in a statement on Thursday, in Abuja.
Etuk said the 2024 festival with the theme “Digital Renaissance: Embracing the Future” happens to be the 14th edition in the series, for the festival which has been held annually from 2017 till date.
According to him, 2024 festival aimed at projecting the transformative imperativeness of the digital age in upscaling motion picture practice.
“ZUFF 2024 will highlight the capabilities of digital platforms as well as inherent opportunities for job creation and wealth generation, through the effective utilization of digital tools for storytelling, content production, monetisation, exhibition and distribution”.
Etuk further revealed that the programme bouquet of the festival includes; daily film screening, film master classes, symposia, film and television market, content creation and exhibition fora, film project pitching sessions, co-production engagements, states and foreign nations (embassy/high commission) special days.
Others include lifetime tributes, and the prestigious Zuma Awards with winners emerging from the various feature film/video; animation/cartoon, documentary film, student film, short film, music video, artistic films/art house and the recently innovative indigenous films category for Hausa, Igbo, Yoruba and any other local Nigerian language film.
He added that they would be children film entry submissions for best picture, sound, costumes, actor, actress, director, short film, music video, skit, and foreign film, among others.
“Attendance at the film fiesta in Abuja will reflect a robust national, continental and global film stakeholders’ participation as well as Africa Film Commission delegates’ attendance.
“They will join Nigerian stakeholders in bringing their wealth and experiences to bear at the various festival programmes. By given the festival bouquet which has consistently been enhanced to address all sectors of the film production value chain.
“The five-day gathering of film and television industry, as well as other stakeholders from across Nigeria, and beyond the continent, will once more offer an opportunity to present the best of Nigeria’s arts, creative, film and entertainment industry to the world,” Etuk said.
In related development Mr Ali Nuhu, NFC managing Director said efforts in mounting Zuma Film Festival 2024 have since commenced.
Nuhu said such would give the national and global importance, as well as its short, medium and long term positive impact on the nation’s creative sector.
He assured the commitment of FCTA and NFC in mounting a remarkable ZUFF 2024.
“ZUFF will continue to provide opportunities and empower filmmakers to embrace the digital renaissance movement by positioning them at the forefront of global cinematic conversation and narratives.
” While at the same time sustaining Nigeria’s dominance within the regional and continental creative economy.
“We must continue to create opportunities through platforms such as the Zuma Film Festival to deploy our energy and resources to harness the rich diverse national and continental, yet beautiful cultures with our impressive and unique storytelling skills,” NFC boss said.
NAN reports that ZUFF is jointly hosted by the FCTA and NFC. (NAN)