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From Kenneth Udeh, Abuja
The curtain has fallen on the 2025 Zuma International Film Festival (ZUFF) with Nigerian and international filmmakers receiving top honours at a glamorous awards night that capped five days of screenings, masterclasses and cultural exchange in Abuja.
The award-winning films ‘The Man Died’ and ‘Finding Nina’ emerged as the biggest winners at the 15th edition of the national festival.
Hosted across the Jabi Lake Mall, Silverbird Cinemas and the Chida Event Centre, this year’s festival convened filmmakers, actors, producers, students, diplomats and creative entrepreneurs from around the world under the theme: “Storytelling for Global Influence: Film as a Soft Power and Economic Force.”
‘The Man Died’ takes centre stage
Awam Amkpa’s historical drama The Man Died swept the night, clinching Best Picture, Best Director, Best Cinematography, and Best Costume, reaffirming its status as one of Nigeria’s most important cinematic offerings of the year.
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.
In his closing address, the managing director/chief executive of the Nigerian Film Corporation (NFC) 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.
He added that preparations for the 2026 edition of the festival would commence immediately, promising even broader programming, new collaborations, and deeper co-production engagements.
Delivering special remarks, the minister of state for the FCT, Dr. Mariya Mahmoud, said Abuja’s growing creative activities and increasing hosting of cultural events affirm its status beyond a political centre.
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She lauded the organisers, filmmakers and partners for sustaining the prestige of the festival.
“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 prioritise the creative economy as part of the Renewed Hope Agenda,” she said.
Mahmoud emphasised that the FCTA would continue to support platforms that enhance film production, expand creative enterprises and provide opportunities for young content creators.
Indigenous language films shine
Local language cinema made a strong showing, with ‘Ìṣẹ́ (Penury)’ by Omobolanle Ayankumbi emerging as Best Yoruba Film and co-winning Best Indigenous Nigerian Film.
Toa Mc Baror’s ‘Kakanda’ won Best Hausa Film and also shared the Indigenous Film Award, while ‘Road to Hell’ by Kelechi Emmanuel Oritshet clinched the Best Igbo Film.
The festival jury was applauded for meticulously evaluating hundreds of films submitted from Nigeria and across continents.
This year’s edition welcomed delegations from the embassies and governments of China, Iran, Spain, Germany, South Africa and others—an engagement welcomed by organisers as a boost to cultural diplomacy and bilateral cooperation.
Dr. Nuhu also extended appreciation to President Tinubu, the FCT administration, the ministry of art, culture, tourism & creative economy, the National Assembly’s committees on culture, and Plateau State governor Caleb Mutfwang, who delivered the prestigious NFC annual film lecture.
Complete List of 2025 Zuma Award Winners (Highlights)
Best Picture: The Man Died
Best Director: Awam Amkpa
Best Actor: Abdulazeem M. Ibrahim — Finding Nina
Best Actress: Ijapari Ben-Hirki — Finding Nina
Best Documentary: The Cashew Rain — Brazil
Best Animation: The Travails of Ajadi — Nigeria
Best Short Film: Dubito — Iran
Best Skit: Lion Dance — Taiwan
Best Student Film: Pass — Iran
Best Children’s Film: Beula — India
… and others across Indigenous Film, Sound, Costume, Music Video and Cinematography.
The night closed with renewed commitments to elevate Nigeria’s creative sector and expand its influence on the global stage. Dr. Nuhu assured filmmakers and audiences that ZUMA 2026 would build on the momentum of this year’s achievements.
“Nigeria is on a steady journey to greater heights,” he said. “We look forward to welcoming the world again next year.”
