Minister reaffirms commitment to supporting audio-visual sector

Hannatu Musawa, Minister of Arts, Culture, Tourism and Creative Economy (FMACTCE), has reaffirmed commitment to support the film and audio visual sector gain access to tools, resources and platforms to tell their story through audiences that empower filmmakers and creative professionals.

Musawa stated this at the ‘Annual Film Lecture’ of Nigerian Film Corporation (NFC), organiser of Zuma International Film Festival (ZUFF) on Wednesday in Abuja.

The lecture is entitled “From Policy to Power: The Future Africa’s Cinematic Influence”.

The minster, who was represented by Dr Mukhtar Muhammad, Permanent Secretary of the ministry, said she was glad to hear that the national assembly has already moved forward to further expand the scope and reach of the NFC.

According to her, when you invest in Nigeria, you invest not only in stories but in culture, youth potential, an economy ripe with opportunity, global dialogue rooted in our time for authenticity and dignity.

“It is really a gliding story in the development of our policies, investment and infrastructure across the film value chain, which involves training, digitisation, corporation, partnerships and global distribution.

” Encouraging collaborations not only within Africa, but with film communities globally to share expertise and other production and improve quality.

“I believe every Nigerian talent, regardless of background should have access to the tools resources and platforms to tell their story.

“Cultural institutions, global film distributors, sponsors, film governments, fellow governments and foreign collaborators , I say now is the targeted time to believe in Nigeria’s creative power,” she said.

The minster further said that through the camera lens, they tell their stories, histories, struggles and hope, adding that these stories transcend the border.

According to her, such stories carry our culture, values, dreams and project to the world. Every movie, documentary, short film becomes our cultural ambassador.

She added that our storytelling would bring indigenous diverse voices to global audience, by influencing perceptions, challenge stereotypes and affirm our place on the world stage.

” On this background, I call on this industry to do more.

“Considering that in the last few weeks, we have seen how endless the divisions of our world lives have been inflicted.

“These are deficiencies that we can confidently heal through our storytelling, films and through our performance.

“Soft power has the capacity to shape ideas, values and global conversations,” minister added.

Musawa further explained that storytelling builds bridges between nations, constant mutual understanding and open doors for collaboration, diplomacy and cultural exchange.

According to her, the economic contribution of the industry, growing the media and entertainment sector now contributes significantly to Nigeria’s GDP.

She noted that as of 2023, Nollywood along with the music sector contributed 1.4 billion dollars to our GDP.

“Fame also provides livelihood for actors directors, writers, technicians, producers and many others along the production and distribution chain.

“As global demand for African stories arise, the potential for foreign investment, co-production, international distribution and student deals are expanded.

” This give Nigerians a global reach and return economic value to our creatives and nation,” she said.

Also speaking, Dr Mariya Mahmoud, Minister of State , Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA), said that filmmaking was probably the highest element of storytelling after the written word.

According to her, starting with the written word takes one to every other element. Filmmaking is definitely the highest level of this entire industry.

Mahmoud said that storytelling was for global influence and film as a soft power and economic force could not be more timely than now.

“The world is witnessing the renaissance of African creativity and Nigeria to all the world remain at the forefront of this transformation.

“Our story, languages, struggle, triumph, and collective identity are now traveling far than ever before, because film has become more than entertainment.

“It is diplomacy., cultural power, economic potential, national identity projected on a global stage.

“The focus of today’s engagement, which is “Policy to Power, The Future of Africa’s Cinematic influence”, reminds us that for this industry to reach its full potential, intentional policy framework must guide its growth,” she said .

The minister said that government has a responsibility not only to support infrastructure, training, financing, and distribution, but create an enabling environment where filmmakers thrive, intelligent property protected and our creative talent could compete globally.

“FCTA recognises the cultural and economic value of the creative sector.

“Under the leadership of the Minister of FCT, Nyesom Wike, we remain committed to promote artistic expression, supporting creative power, by ensuring that Abuja continues to serve as a fertile ground for filmmakers, cultural and entertainment.

” Africa’s cinematic future will be defined by how broadly we tell our stories, how strategically we shape global narratives about our continent and how effectively we convert cultural and capital into economic spaces.

” With the right policy, partnerships and visionary leadership, Africa will not only reflect global storytelling but define it,” he stressed .

The minister commended Film Corporation for its unwavering effort in training, advocacy and cultural representation.

“I applaud today’s organisers and partners and leaders for continuing to push boundaries of what Africa cinema can become”.