The Federal Government said that it has kick started moves to ensure that Nigerian films are qualified enough to win the International Academy Awards, commonly known as the OSCARS among other Internationally rated Awards.
The Presidency stated this through its Ministry of Art , culture and Creative Economy , Tourism and the Nigerian Film Corporation, NFC on Tuesday during a news conference to unveil activities for the upcoming 14th edition of the Zuma International Film Festivals, ZUFF, slated for Dec. 1 to Dec. 5 themed “Digital Renaissance: Embracing the Future”.
The conference had the presence of Hon. Minister of State FCT, Dr. Mariya Bunkure; Director General, National Gallery of Art (NGA), Ahmed Sodangi; Spanish Ambassador to Nigeria, Juan Ignacio Sell represented by the Embassy’s Cultural Adviser, Mrs. Eva Barta; DG National Troupe of Nigeria, Khaltume Gana; DG National Institute for Cultural Orientation (NICO), Mr Otunba Biodun Ajiboye; Representative of the US Embassy, Bella Anne Ndubuisi; Managing Director, Ventnor Furniture, Mr. Sadiq Mahmood; DG National Film and Video Censors Board, NFVCB, Dr Shaibu Hussein represented by its Senior Staff Peace Ononobi.
Speaking at the event, Minister of Tourism, Lola Ade-John highlighted the objectives of this year’s edition in which she harped on the ingenuity of Nigeria’s film practitioners.
She expressed optimism that Nigerian Films would soon clinch international rated Awards such as the OSCARS.
She said; “We are really blessed, hardworking and creative and we can go Global, with some of us here especially the Minister have been to CAN Film Festival, the Grammys and I’m sure she has gone to the OSCARS also and I am hoping that one day films that come out of Nigeria will go Global and we will achieve at least one OSCAR.
“Nigeria has been producing movies in CDs, about 10 to 12 a day, until things changed, especially when Funke Akindele came out with ‘Jenifa’, she did an amazing job,”
“Another is Bolanle Austin Peters and I was amazed by the quality of work that we have in the film Industry,” she said.
Leveraging on Ade-John’s position as Minister of Art , culture and Creative Economy, Hannatu Musa Musawa said that the Ministry is working on projects in collaboration with the NFC, Hollywood and Nollywood practitioners which will lead to the production of films of international standards.
She said; “We are really planning a number of projects within the next two years and we will be speaking to Mr. Ali Nuhu and we are working with Hollywood and Nollywood practitioners.
The Minister also lauded the NFC’s initiative to sustain and improve each festival edition.
