Zuma International Film Festival emphasises cinema’s expanding role in shaping perception, strengthening cultural diplomacy, and driving economic growth.
By Joseph Jonathan
The Federal Ministry of Art, Culture, Tourism, and the Creative Economy (FMACTCE), in collaboration with the Nigerian Film Corporation (NFC), and the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA), has announced that the 2025 Zuma International Film Festival (ZIFF) will take place from December 1 to 5, 2025, in Abuja.
Now in its 15th edition since its inception in 1993, the Zuma International Film Festival remains one of Nigeria’s foremost film festivals and a key platform for celebrating and advancing the country’s cinematic voice. Themed “Storytelling for Global Influence: Film as a Soft Power and Economic Force”, this year’s edition emphasises cinema’s expanding role in shaping perception, strengthening cultural diplomacy, and driving economic growth.
At a press briefing in Abuja, the Minister of Art, Culture, Tourism, and the Creative Economy, Hannatu Musa Musawa, reaffirmed the government’s commitment to strengthening the creative economy through film and cultural exchange. She emphasised that the festival represents an opportunity to showcase Nigeria’s creative strength and reaffirm the country’s position as a leading voice in global storytelling.
The Managing Director of the Nigerian Film Corporation, Dr. Ali Nuhu, described ZUMA as a symbol of Nigeria’s creative pride and a platform that connects storytelling with enterprise, culture with commerce, and creativity with national development. He revealed that the 2025 edition received a record-breaking 3,156 film entries from countries including Nigeria, India, France, China, South Africa, Egypt, the United States, Spain, Germany, Tunisia, and Iran.
The submissions span feature films, documentaries, shorts, student projects, indigenous language films, animations, music videos, and skits, which is a testament to the festival’s growing international reputation.
Festival Director, Halima Oyedele, noted that this year’s edition seeks to celebrate storytelling beyond entertainment, positioning Nigerian cinema as a tool for influence, identity, and global engagement.
The festival will feature a rich programme of events, including the NFC Annual Film Lecture, Emerging Talent Showcase, Film Trade & Finance Forum, Co-Production and Pitching Sessions, daily screenings, and the ZUMA Awards. These events are designed to foster networking, collaboration, and business opportunities across the local and international film industries.
Representing the Chinese delegation at the unveiling ceremony, Yen Jen Sing reaffirmed China’s readiness to deepen cultural and creative exchange with Nigeria, pledging greater collaboration between both countries’ film sectors.
Dr. Nuhu added that the NFC’s ongoing projects — including digitization drives, regional training programmes, and international collaborations — are aimed at positioning Nigeria as a “film capital for Africa”.
As the countdown to December begins, the 2025 Zuma International Film Festival is expected to attract filmmakers, investors, policymakers, and audiences from across Africa and beyond, reaffirming its role as a central meeting point for the future of African cinema.