Festivals

Zuma International Film Festival 2025 Welcomes Chinese Filmmakers

Published

11 months ago

November 29, 2025

The 15th Zuma International Film Festival in Abuja, scheduled for Dec. 1–5, 2025, features Chinese filmmakers Zhou Xinxia and Chai Hongfang leading a masterclass, showcasing their award-winning documentary ‘Rooting’ and fostering global cinematic collaboration

The Nigeria Film Corporation (NFC) has announced that renowned Chinese filmmakers Zhou Xinxia and Chai Hongfang will facilitate the masterclass at the 15th edition of the Zuma International Film Festival (ZUFF), scheduled to hold from December 1 to 5, 2025, at Chida Hotel & Events Centre, Abuja.

Also read: Caleb Mutfwang to Deliver Zuma International Film Lecture

Mr. Brian Etuk, NFC’s Director of Public Affairs, described the participation of the Chinese filmmakers as a significant milestone in the growing collaboration between ZUFF and the Embassy of the People’s Republic of China in Abuja.

“The two renowned Chinese filmmakers will be joining us at Zuma 2025, bringing their award-winning documentary film Rooting, a thought-provoking film that is a must-watch, followed by an engaging question and answer session,” Etuk said.

A Hub for Creativity and Cinematic Excellence

The five-day festival promises to be a vibrant celebration of cinematic artistry, innovation, and storytelling. Participants can expect thought-provoking films, insightful discussions, and cultural performances, positioning ZUFF as a key platform for knowledge exchange and creative collaboration.

Etuk emphasized the festival’s commitment to promoting global storytelling that influences human development. “Join us from December 1 to 5 in Abuja to be part of this cinematic journey.

Let’s celebrate the power of storytelling and its impact on our world,” he added.

With masterclasses led by Zhou Xinxia and Chai Hongfang, ZUFF 2025 aims to strengthen international cinematic ties while offering participants a unique opportunity to engage with world-class filmmakers and learn from their expertise.

Also read: Zuma International Film Festival Returns Stronger

Organisers have promised an unforgettable experience for attendees, blending education, creativity, and cultural enrichment in a celebration of African and global cinema.

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Culture

OLOJO….Ile Ife’s September Gift To Culture

Published

2 weeks ago

October 5, 2026

Mariam Balogun

By Halima Adaba,

It was a featubal if the people. It was for the anciebt town of Ile Ife, which the Yoruba race refards as the Source.

Also read: Olojo Festival 2026: Ooni Urges Leaders to Prioritise Citizens

And ut was a festivsl for the King, Arole Oduduwa, Oonirisa, Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, Ojaja II.

And so between September 24 and 28th 2026, the annual featuval dazzjed in all its white glory.

Tge Monarch paid the traditional ancestral homage and offered propitiation as part of the sacred rites of the Olojo Festival.
It was a powerful expression of Yoruba heritage, spirituality, and enduring tradition.

Call it a collection of beautiful moments, faces, colours and cultural expressions.

Every frame tells a story.

Every face carries the energy.

Every moment keeps the heritage alive.

Undoubtedly one of the most sacred cultural celebrations in Ilé-Ifẹ̀. It marked a day associated with creation, thanksgiving, ancestral heritage, and the sacred appearance of the Ooni of Ife wearing the revered Aàrẹ crown.

There were also the devotees of the famed god of thunder – Sàngó who were hardly conspicuous at the festival.

Many other traditional groups came out with candor, showing a powerful expression of Yoruba cultural identity, spiritual devotion, and respect for the ancient traditions of Ilé-Ifẹ̀.

Devotees of Sàngó bekieved the ‘appearance’ of the god of thunder on Seotember 26th could be understood as a symbolic meeting of ancestral heritage, spiritual devotion, and the celebration of creation.

It was a moment when the sounds of drums, chants, and traditional praise poetry brought the history of the Yoruba people to life.

Although Olojo is closely associated with Ogun, the god of iron, and the sacred traditions of Ile-Ife, the presence of Sàngó devotees reflected the rich diversity of Yoruba spiritual heritage.

Also read: Olojo Festival 2026: Ooni Urges Leaders to Prioritise Citizens

As a participant enthused at the festival, “To witness Sàngó Olúkòso emerge on Olojo Festival day is to witness a living expression of history, identity, and ancestral pride.”