Events

Zuma International Film Festival Returns Stronger

Published

1 year ago

October 15, 2025

Zuma International Film Festival 2025 set for Abuja as NFC vows to boost Nigeria’s creative economy and global storytelling influence

Zuma International Film Festival has been officially announced by the Nigerian Film Corporation (NFC) as it prepares to host the 2025 edition in Abuja, reaffirming its mission to position Nigeria as Africa’s foremost creative hub and a centre for cinematic excellence.

Also read: Hannatu Musa Musawa Hails Zuma Film Festival

The world press conference, held on Monday at the Vento Showroom, Jabi Lake Mall, Abuja, brought together top stakeholders from the film industry, government institutions, and global partners.

Delivering the keynote address, the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of the NFC, Dr. Ali Nuhu, said the festival scheduled for December 1 to 5 would build on its legacy as a premier platform for cultural exchange, investment, and global storytelling.

“Since its debut in 1993, the Zuma International Film Festival has become a living symbol of our creative pride — a celebration of the stories that define us, the filmmakers who give them life, and the audiences who carry them forward,” Nuhu said.

He described film as more than entertainment — “it is memory, history, and soft power capable of shaping how the world sees Nigeria.”

This year’s theme, “Storytelling for Global Influence: Film as a Soft Power and Economic Force,” underscores the growing influence of cinema in driving economic and cultural diplomacy across Africa.

Nuhu revealed that the 2025 edition had received over 3,156 film submissions from countries including Nigeria, India, France, China, South Africa, Egypt, the United States, Spain, Germany, Tunisia, and Iran.

He expressed gratitude to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for prioritising the creative sector, and to the Minister of Art, Culture, Tourism and the Creative Economy, Barr. Hannatu Musa Musawa, for her continued support.

“When leadership invests in art, a nation invests in its identity,” Nuhu said, while also commending the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA), led by Barr. Nyesom Wike and Dr. Mariya Mahmoud, for co-hosting the festival.

In her remarks, Minister Hannatu Musa Musawa praised the NFC for its consistency in sustaining the Zuma Festival as a global brand that strengthens Nigeria’s creative economy.

“Nigeria’s film industry, widely known as Nollywood, remains a reflection of our rich cultural heritage and a vital contributor to national development,” she said.

She noted that the Tinubu administration’s initiatives — including IDICE, CLAP, and the Creative Economic Development Fund (CEDF) — have continued to create jobs and foster sustainable growth in the creative space.

Musawa added that the Zuma International Film Festival is not only a cinematic celebration but also a strategic platform to expand investment and position Nigeria’s film industry globally.

The Minister announced a series of special events for the 2025 edition, including the NFC Film Annual Lecture, the Emerging Talent Showcase, the Film Trade & Finance Forum, Co-Production and Pitching Sessions, daily screenings, and the ZUMA Awards Night.

“Together, we can amplify the voice of Nigerian and African cinema to the world,” she declared. “I look forward to welcoming everyone to Abuja this December for an exciting and impactful event.”

Also read: Vice President Shettima to keynote Zuma international film festival

The 2025 Zuma International Film Festival, organised by the NFC in partnership with the FCTA, promises to be a dynamic convergence of filmmakers, investors, policymakers, and creative entrepreneurs from across Africa and beyond.

Up Next

Wole Soyinka Leads Global Guests to 2025 Diaspora Festival

Don't Miss

Rotary Club of Ikeja Township Celebrates Charter

Click to comment

Culture

Crowds Gather for Rare Sunrise at Egypt’s Abu Simbel Temple

Published

2 weeks ago

October 23, 2026

David Ogunjobi

Hundreds of tourists gathered at Egypt’s Abu Simbel temple to witness the twice-yearly sunrise ceremony illuminating Pharaoh Ramses II’s statue

Hundreds of tourists gathered at Egypt’s Abu Simbel temple on Thursday to witness a spectacular sunrise phenomenon in which sunlight illuminated the face of the statue of Pharaoh Ramses II, an event that occurs only twice a year.

Also read: 16 Famous Cultural Festivals That Define India

The ancient astronomical ceremony drew visitors from different parts of the world to the archaeological site in southern Egypt on October 22, one of two dates associated with the phenomenon.

The second occurrence takes place on February 22, when the rising sun illuminates the temple’s interior.

Egyptian tour guide Yasser Fouad described the occasion as extraordinary, saying some visitors had stayed overnight to secure the opportunity to witness the event.

“Today is an extraordinary day, everyone is keen, there are people who stayed over the night, foreigners who actually spent the night in Abu Simbel to see this phenomenon,” Fouad said.

The Great Temple of Ramses II at Abu Simbel dates back to the 13th century BC and is among Egypt’s most prominent archaeological attractions.

Built during the reign of Ramses II, one of ancient Egypt’s most powerful pharaohs, the temple is renowned for its monumental statues and sophisticated architectural design.

The twice-yearly sunrise phenomenon is a major attraction, drawing visitors eager to witness the interaction between sunlight and the temple’s ancient structure.

The dates have traditionally been associated with significant moments in Ramses II’s life.

October 22 is commonly linked to his birthday, while February 22 is associated with his accession to the throne.

However, the precise historical reasons behind the dates remain debated.

Some archaeologists have proposed alternative explanations, including that they may have marked the pharaoh’s coronation and birthday.

Abu Simbel underwent a major international rescue operation in the 1960s, when archaeologists and engineers relocated the temples to protect them from flooding caused by the construction of the Aswan High Dam.

The monumental structures were cut into large blocks and reassembled at a higher location, preserving the site for future generations.

The relocation was one of the most significant archaeological preservation projects of the 20th century.

Despite the move, the temple continues to attract visitors for its ancient Egyptian art, monumental architecture and remarkable alignment with the rising sun.

Also read: 16 Famous Cultural Festivals That Define India

The annual gatherings highlight the enduring appeal of Egypt’s archaeological heritage and the continuing fascination with the astronomical knowledge and engineering achievements of its ancient civilisation.