From Okwe Obi, Abuja
Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has sought the collaboration of the international community to promote Nigeria’s culture through filmmaking.
Wike stated this yesterday at the closing ceremony of the 13th edition of the Zuma Film Festival, in Abuja.
The theme of the event was “Cultural Convergence.”
The former Rivers State governor said the festival was a catalyst for economic prosperity, adding that government remained dedicated to implementing plans aimed at further coming up with ingenious ideas to keep the festival afloat.
Represented by the Minister of State for FCT, Dr Mariya Mahmoud, Wike said: “Firstly, we aim to enhance our collaboration with international partners and stakeholders in the industry by fostering stronger ties with global filmmakers, production companies, and film festivals.
“We also seek to amplify the reach or the prestige of the Zuma printers on the world stage; this will attract more attention, participants and investments thereby augmenting the festival’s economic, economic benefits to the Federal Capital Territory.
“Secondly, we plan to expand the festival’s programme to encompass a wider array of cultural activities, workshops, and educational initiatives.
By diverse in the offering, we aim to attract a broader audience including students and professionals, plus amplified economic impact across various sectors.”
The minister reiterated the willingness of government to support local filmmakers and to raise cultural entrepreneurs.
He also charged the organisers to maintain the tempo of promoting Nigeria’s culture of good moral values through filmmaking.
“We will continue to provide platforms, resources and opportunities for budding filmmakers within the FCT – sudden and environmental conducive to creative expression and innovation.”
The Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Nigerian Film Corporation, Chidia Maduekwe, said the event was an avenue for culture players to share ideas on how to deepen the event.
Madukwe, who is the Chairman, Zuma Film Festival Planning Committee, added: “The aim of this festival is to highlight four areas of existence as a people from which most of the content of Nollywood is derived from. That is why it is called cultural convergence because of our uniqueness and diversity.
“We are hopeful that the event has opened up more vistas to enhance our capacity of our culture and aim at a united country.”
Lifetime Achievement Awards were given to veteran filmmakers, music producers and actors like, Onyeka Onwnu, Saratu Gidado, Clarence, Abiodun Peters, Dauda Kahuta Gugu Zuma-Ncube, John, Odafe Asiemo popularly known as Daddy Showkey, Sambo Sanusi and Peter Fatomilola.