Culture
Musawa Launches Zuma International Film Festival 2024
The Minister of Art, Culture, and the Creative Economy, Barrister Hannatu Musa Musawa, has officially announced the start of the 2024 Zuma International Film Festival (ZIFF) at a press conference in Abuja on Tuesday.
Musawa lauded the Nigerian Film Corporation (NFC) for its dedication to the festival, noting that film festivals are vital in elevating local film industries and positioning them on the global stage.
She stressed that ZIFF 2024 will play a crucial role in fostering collaboration and innovation in Nigerian filmmaking.
A statement by the special Adviser on Media and Publicity quoted the Minister to have stated,
“Film festivals drive collaboration and development in the industry. ZUMA helps to spotlight our country’s film industry internationally. We are fully committed to making ZUMA a premier festival that showcases Nigeria’s talent and places us at the forefront of global filmmaking,” Musawa said.
The statement indicated that 2024 festival, themed Digital Renaissance: Embracing the Future, will focus on how digital technology is reshaping the film industry.
Musawa emphasized that the festival is aligned with the government’s goals of job creation, investment attraction, and fostering innovation in the creative sector.
The Minister of Tourism, Mrs. Lola Ade-John, expressed confidence that Nigerian films will soon achieve global recognition, stating, “I hope that Nigerian films will one day win prestigious awards like the Oscars.”
Minister of State for the Federal Capital Territory, Dr. Mariya Mahmud, urged the Nigerian film industry to create lasting frameworks that will outlive the current administration and continue to contribute to its growth.
Nigerian Film Corporation’s Managing Director, Dr. Ali Nuhu, highlighted the festival’s significance, stating, “ZIFF is a milestone in the growth of Nollywood and Nigeria’s creative economy. It empowers youth, creates jobs, and builds cross-border collaboration.”
He revealed that over 3,120 film submissions have been received from countries including Nigeria, Iran, India, the USA, Spain, and France.
The 2024 Zuma International Film Festival will take place from December 1-5, 2024, at Jabi Lake Mall in Abuja. The event will feature a variety of activities, including an Annual Film Lecture by Vice President Kashim Shettima, discussions on Artificial Intelligence in Filmmaking, a Women in Film Forum, and the prestigious Zuma Award Night.
With its strong international presence and the theme of digital transformation, ZIFF 2024 promises to be a landmark event for filmmakers, industry professionals, and investors.
Culture
G20 Ministers of Culture Meeting in Brazil: Musawa Leads African Union Delegation
Africa’s participation in the G20 Ministers of Culture meeting, led by Barrister Hannatu Musawa, Minister of Art, Culture, Tourism, and the Creative Economy, is a major step forward in the continent’s cultural diplomacy.
The event, which held at the Salvador Convention Centre in Brazil, saw Musawa represent the African Union, where she advocated for the role of Africa’s cultural heritage in advancing economic growth, social cohesion, and global understanding.
Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Dr. Nneka Ikem Anibeze in a statement indicated that, Musawa also served as the 1st Vice-Chairperson of the Bureau of the Specialized Technical Committee on Youth, Culture, and Sports within the African Union.
She quoted Musawa to have expressed gratitude for Africa’s inclusion in the discussions and highlighted the continent’s cultural diversity as a source of strength.
The minister reiterated the urgent need for Africa to capitalize on its cultural resources to drive sustainable development and unity within the continent and globally.
“Africa’s cultural diversity is one of our greatest assets. We must use it as a tool to propel development, foster unity, and create shared growth opportunities,” said Musawa.
“Our inclusion in the G20 dialogues ensures that the priorities of our people are heard, and the global conversation better reflects the needs of Africa.”
The Minister praised the historic nature of the African Union’s involvement in the meeting, which provided a platform for critical conversations around culture’s role in shaping Africa’s future.
Musawa underscored the importance of the G20’s Ministerial Declaration, which calls for increased cooperation, greater support for African culture, and more opportunities for Africa to achieve its goals outlined in Agenda 2063.
Musawa also highlighted the importance of cultural rights, diversity, and dialogue as essential for building resilient, inclusive, and innovative societies.
She emphasized that culture should be viewed as a driver of development and social cohesion, a theme that resonated throughout the discussions.
She extended her thanks to Brazil for its exceptional leadership as G20 President and expressed confidence in South Africa’s upcoming presidency. “We appreciate Brazil’s leadership and efforts to elevate culture within the global agenda. As we look to South Africa’s presidency, we are eager to ensure that Africa’s cultural priorities remain at the forefront,” Musawa said.
Throughout the meeting, Musawa engaged with counterparts from several countries, including Saudi Arabia, Angola, South Africa, Korea, China, and France, focusing on key issues within her ministry’s strategic framework.
One notable outcome the statement said was her bilateral meeting with Brazil’s Minister of Culture, where discussions centered around the rehabilitation of Nigeria’s Cultural House in Salvador as part of the Nigeria Destination 2030 initiative, aimed at preserving cultural heritage and enhancing the country’s cultural diplomacy.
The meeting also highlighted the need for increased investment in Africa’s cultural and creative industries.
The African Union emphasized its strategic vision for inclusive and sustainable development and highlighted the importance of cultural diplomacy in strengthening Africa’s global position.
In closing, Musawa reaffirmed the African Union’s commitment to continued collaboration with the G20 and a stronger emphasis on cultural priorities, ensuring that Africa’s voice is heard and its interests are advanced on the global stage.
Culture
Musawa Highlights Creative Therapy as a Catalyst for Social Change
The Minister of Art, Culture and the Creative Economy, Barrister Hannatu Musa Musawa, has emphasized the power of creative therapy in addressing pressing social and health challenges during the Global South Arts and Health Week at the Nigeria Pavilion in Abuja.
Addressing policymakers, healthcare professionals, artists, and advocates, Musawa underscored the vital role of the arts in promoting healing and resilience within communities.
The special Adviser to the Minister on Media and Publicity Dr. Nneka Ikem Anibeze in a statement quoted Musawa to have highlighted how creativity supports mental health, combats displacement, and assists in recovery from pandemics.
“Art has always been a part of our collective human experience, reflecting our identities, providing comfort, and serving as vehicles for hope and healing.
“As we address challenges in health, displacement, aging, and everyday life, the arts offer us a path forward, transforming pain into healing and inspiring the resilience needed to overcome adversity.”
Musawa advocated for arts-based programs that promote maternal health, mental wellness, and social inclusion.
The Federal Ministry of Arts, Culture and the Creative Economy, she noted, is committed to initiatives that unlock the potential of the creative sector, expand access to the arts, and support cultural expression and creative practitioners.
The event set the stage for ongoing collaboration between art and health sectors, aiming to foster social cohesion, enhance mental well-being, and create inclusive spaces through the transformative power of the arts.
Culture
FG approves Creative Economy Development Fund, IP Monetisation Pilot
The Federal Executive Council, has approved the establishment of the Creative Economy Development Fund (CEDF) and the rollout of the Intellectual Property (IP) Monetisation Pilot.
The initiatives are designed to provide financial support and leverage intellectual property as a key asset for Nigeria’s growing creative industry.
The CEDF, which will offer a range of financial instruments such as debt, quasi-equity, and equity, aims to boost access to finance for creatives.
It also introduces a groundbreaking model for using intellectual property as collateral to secure financing. According to the Minister of Art, Culture, and the Creative Economy, Barrister Hannatu Musa Musawa, the fund will empower young Nigerian creatives by enabling them to monetize their talents and IP assets.
Special Adviser on Media and Publicity to the Minister, Nneka Ikem Anibeze in a statement quoted her to have explained saying,
“This is a significant milestone for Nigeria’s creative industry. The Creative Economy Development Fund will equip young people with the tools to turn their creative talents into sustainable livelihoods,” Musawa said, during the Council meeting.
“The IP Monetisation Pilot, developed in collaboration with the African Development Bank (AfDB) under the iDICE programme, will serve as a precursor to the creation of a National IP Monetisation Framework, which will be integrated into Nigeria’s broader IP policy.”
The Minister highlighted the government’s collaboration with several key ministries, including Justice, Finance, and Industry, to ensure the smooth implementation of both initiatives.
She added that the ministry is also proposing the Creative Economy Development Fund Act to ensure long-term funding and governance of the CEDF.
The initiatives the statement explained further are expected to revolutionize Nigeria’s creative sector by establishing a robust intellectual property asset base, enhancing access to finance through IP securitization, and boosting investor confidence in the sector.
-
Crime1 year ago
Police nabs Killer of Varsity Lecturer in Niger
-
News10 months ago
FCT-IRS tells socialite Aisha Achimugu not to forget to file her annual returns
-
Appointment1 year ago
Tinubu names El-Rufai, Tope Fasua, others in New appointments
-
News From Kogi1 year ago
INEC cancells election in 67 polling units in Ogori-Magongo in Kogi
-
News From Kogi1 year ago
Echocho Challenges Tribunal Judgment ordering rerun in 94 polling units
-
News1 year ago
IPOB: Simon Ekpa gives reason for seperatists clamour for Biafra
-
Metro8 months ago
‘Listing Simon Ekpa among wanted persons by Nigeria military is rascality, intimidation’
-
News10 months ago
Kingmakers of Igu/ Koton-Karfe dare Bello, urge him to reverse deposition of Ohimege-Igu