The 15th Zuma International Film Festival (ZUFF) officially kicked off in Abuja on Tuesday, with Ali Nuhu, President of the Nigerian Film Corporation (NFC), urging filmmakers to tell their stories with confidence.
Taking to Instagram, Nuhu shared a video from the event, writing: “After months of preparation, we’ve finally kicked off the 15th Zuma International Film Festival in Abuja and honestly, it feels good to see everything come alive. The energy, the faces, the stories and the excitement. Zuma has always been that meeting point for people who believe in stories… This year, our focus is to tell our stories with confidence, build real connections, and open new doors for everyone in the creative space. Here’s to a beautiful week in Abuja. Let the stories speak for themselves.”
ZUFF 2025, running December 1–5, has drawn over 3,100 films from countries including Nigeria, India, France, China, South Africa, Egypt, and the United States. Entries cover feature films, shorts, documentaries, animations, and music videos, showcasing African cinema’s diversity.
This year’s theme, “Storytelling for Global Influence: Film as a Soft Power and Economic Force”, highlights cinema’s role as both cultural ambassador and economic driver.
Besides screenings, the festival features mentorship programs, co-production pitching sessions, trade and finance forums, and a masterclass by Chinese filmmakers. The week will also host the ZUMA Awards, honouring outstanding contributions to cinema.
Nuhu described Zuma as “a living symbol of our creative pride and a global home for storytellers.”
