8th Kaduna International Film Festival: 168 films to be screened – NFFA vice chairman

The Vice Chairman of the Nigerian Film Festivals Association (NFFA), Audu Israel, has disclosed that 168 films will be screened during the ongoing international film festival taking place in Kaduna.

He also revealed that delegates from the United States, France, India, and Uganda are attending the five-day event.

Israel, who also serves as the Executive Director of the 8th Kaduna International Film Festival, further stated that this year’s edition will include a skill acquisition programme for 200 youths. Areas of training include pizza making, yoghurt production, custard and paint making, and palm oil processing, with participants set to receive starter packs upon completion.

Declaring the festival open, Kaduna State Deputy Governor, Dr. Hadiza Balarabe, said the state is ready to showcase its creative talents to international markets and position its film industry as a major revenue earner for Nigeria.

Balarabe, who was represented by the Commissioner for Youth, Art and Culture, Gloria Ibrahim, described Kaduna as fertile ground for thriving talents that require only the right platforms and support to make a global impact.

She pledged the support of Governor Uba Sani’s administration for the creative sector and urged investors to explore the opportunities within Kaduna’s film industry to promote culture, generate employment, and contribute significantly to the economy.

“Film is not just a medium of entertainment; it speaks to the conscience of people by shaping values, inspiring, and educating society,” she said.

According to her, Nigeria’s film and music industries currently contribute over ₦1.3 trillion to the nation’s GDP and employ more than 4.2 million people.

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“These are not just numbers; they represent lives being touched and transformed, jobs being created, and communities being uplifted,” she added.

The Deputy Governor emphasized that Kaduna recognizes the creative industry as a key driver of economic growth, with the potential to boost tourism, create jobs for youths, and open doors for entrepreneurship.

“Our young people have the energy and the talent. What they need are platforms like this festival to showcase their skills and connect with wider markets,” she concluded.