…As Zuma film festival ends

From Kenneth Udeh, Abuja

The steady rise of Nollywood as one of the world’s most powerful cultural exports from Africa has been attributed to the priority attention accorded Nigeria’s creative economy in President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.

Dr. Mariya Mahmoud, Minister of State for the Federal Capital Territory, made this remark in Abuja at the closing ceremony of the 2025 Zuma International Film Festival (ZUFF). The minister, who lauded the organisers, filmmakers and partners for sustaining the prestige of the festival, said Abuja’s growing creative activities and increasing hosting of cultural events was an affirmation of its status beyond a political centre.

Mahmoud promised that the FCTA would continue to support platforms that enhance film production, expand creative enterprises and provide opportunities for young content creators.

Her words: “Nollywood has become one of the world’s most powerful cultural exports, shaping global perceptions of Africa.”

“This is why President Bola Ahmed Tinubu continues to prioritize the creative economy as part of the Renewed Hope Agenda,” she said.

In his closing address, the Managing Director/Chief Executive of the Nigerian Film Corporation and host of the festival, Dr. Ali Nuhu, praised participants for sustaining what he described as a “transformational cultural platform.”

Nuhu noted that the festival once again demonstrated the global reach of Nigerian storytelling and the economic potential embedded in the creative sector.

“The search for and consumption of film content worldwide has grown tremendously. Zuma will continue to create national, regional and global opportunities for filmmakers while supporting Nigeria’s creative economy, ” he said.

The 2025 Zuma International Film Festival hosted across Jabi Lake Mall, Silverbird Cinemas and the Chida Event Centre, ended with Nigerian and international filmmakers receiving top honours at the glamorous awards night that capped the five-day event.

Awam Amkpa’s historical drama, The Man Died, swept the night, clinching Best Picture, Best Director, Best Cinematography, and Best Costume.

Similarly, Finding Nina shone in the performance categories, with Abdulazeem M. Ibrahim winning Best Actor, Ijapari Ben-Hirki taking Best Actress, and the film also securing Best Sound.

International entries were also celebrated, with Brazil, Iran, Taiwan, India and the United States earning top honours across categories such as Best Documentary, Best Short Film, Best Skit, Best Student Film and Best Children’s Film.