The 2020 annual Zuma Film Festival (ZUFF) ended on Saturday with lifetime awards for celebrities and other players in the creative industry.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that ZUFF is Nigeria’s foremost film fiesta, with both local and international filmmakers, actors and government officials in attendance.
During the ceremony, major players in the entertainment industry discuss the opportunities, challenges and proffer solutions as it affected the industry.
Moreover, the cinematography and outstanding works of filmmaking were celebrated.
The 2020 Zuma Festival did not have much international filmmakers in attendance due to the COVID- 19 pandemic, but engaged in virtual participation.
The 11th edition of the festival with the theme: “Content Connectivity: Everyview, Everywhere part II”, started fron Dec. 1 to Dec. 7, at NAF Conference Centre, Abuja.
Dr Shuaibu Hussein, Chairman of the five-man jury that determined best films for award, told the audience that 2020 Zuma Festival was about ‘creativity and originality’.
Hussein said that 3,068 submissions from 120 countries were received which was much higher than that of 2019.
He explained that they carefully screened submissions before awards were recommended.
“The significant observation we made while engaging the films was that we discovered that women had many entries this year.
“And out of the 3,068 entries, top 7 were India 427, Iran 254, Spain 198, USA, 191, Brazil 166, Italy 147 and Nigeria 127 films,” he said.
Hussein said that they decided to create two special jury awards this year for outstanding documentary film and short filmmaker.
Other award winning films by Nigerians were Best Short Film, won by “Inquest” produced by Esther, Best Student Film won by “Is a girl” by Zainab, Best Documentary film won by “Against the World” by Medina Mohammed, Best Director won by AIhawal Abdulfatai and best indigenous film won by a Yoruba film “Asara Edu”.
Lifetime awards were given to veteran actor, Segun Arinze, Executive Director News NTA, Mr. Mohammed Labbo, Wazobia FM and others.
Meanwhile the Managing Director, Nigeria Film Corporation (NFC) Dr. Chidia Maduekwe, said the National Film Archive Policy to address threat and loss of critical national heritage was undergoing administrative processes.
According to him, government has directed that National Film Videos Archive of the NFC be used for all audio visual works produced in Nigeria.
” Nigeria is on a steady journey to greater heights, we are optimistic that ZUFF 2020 has opened another uncommon opportunity and growth for the Nigeria film industry.
“With this, we are sure of robust and vibrant economy as more jobs will be created,” he said.
Maduekwe stated further that Federal Capital Administration would hold ZUFF 2021 and he commended all their partners for support and ensuring that 2020 ZUFF was a huge success.
Receiving the award, Segun Arinze said he dedicated the award to upcoming actors and filmmakers.
However, declaring the ceremony closed, Chairman of the NFC Board, Mr. Abubakar Gambo, said films produced in Nigerian had improved tremendously.
“This improvement is in terms of content, creativity and technical quality,” he said. (NAN)
