…As Winners of 2025 Awards Emerge
The Federal Government has celebrated the organisers, filmmakers, and creative professionals who participated in the 15th Zuma International Film Festival, describing the 2025 edition as a powerful testament to Nigeria’s cultural depth and cinematic potential.
The Minister of Arts, Culture, Tourism and Creative Economy, Barr. Hannatu Musawa, commended the Nigerian Film Corporation (NFC), stakeholders, and the wider creative community for sustaining a platform that continues to amplify Nigeria’s global presence in film, arts, and culture. She praised the NFC and its partners for delivering what she called a well-executed and impactful festival.
Musawa underscored the significance of storytelling in shaping global narratives, strengthening national identity, and expanding Nigeria’s soft-power influence. Nigerian films and creative talents, she noted, are increasingly fueling cultural diplomacy, inspiring global conversations, and contributing to economic growth.
“Our stories matter. They carry our identity, our resilience, our humour, and our shared humanity,” the Minister said, urging filmmakers to continue producing culturally grounded stories with global appeal.
She also celebrated the outstanding creators, producers, and performers recognized at this year’s festival, emphasizing that their achievements continue to energize the nation’s creative economy and inspire emerging talent. Musawa further highlighted the growing relevance of Nigeria as a hub for international collaboration in film and creative entertainment, adding that platforms such as the Zuma Film Festival position the country as a destination for innovation, co-production, artistic exchange, and digital creativity.
Expressing appreciation to partners, advisors, and guests who contributed to the success of the festival, she encouraged sustained collaboration within the creative sector.
“Let us keep creating, keep collaborating, and keep telling stories that matter—stories that uplift, transform, and unite,” she said.
She reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to supporting the arts, culture, entertainment, and creative industries as critical drivers of national development.
In her remarks, the Minister of State for the Federal Capital Territory, Dr. Mariya Mahmoud, expressed pride in the FCTA’s role as co-host, noting that the festival continues to position Abuja as the cultural heartbeat of the nation.
She described the theme of this year’s edition—“Storytelling for Global Influence: Film as a Soft Power and Economic Force”—as timely and relevant. Around the world, she said, nations increasingly rely on film as a tool for shaping narratives, strengthening diplomacy, promoting cultural identity, and driving economic prosperity.
“Our stories have travelled far beyond our borders, carrying our values, humour, resilience, and collective spirit,” she said. “Nollywood has become one of the world’s most powerful cultural exports, influencing fashion, tourism, language, and global perceptions of Nigeria and Africa.”
Mahmoud reiterated the commitment of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration to supporting the creative economy under the Renewed Hope Agenda. She noted that the sector generates employment, fuels entrepreneurship, expands the digital economy, and opens doors for youth-driven innovation. She assured stakeholders that the government would continue to create an enabling environment for filmmakers through improved infrastructure, partnerships, investment-friendly regulations, and platforms such as ZUMA.
Earlier, the Managing Director of the Nigerian Film Corporation and host of the festival, Dr. Ali Nuhu, expressed gratitude to attendees of the 2025 ZUMA Awards Night and closing ceremony. He noted that global demand for film content has grown tremendously and emphasized that the five-day festival had provided rich engagements focused on improving film as both a product and commodity within the creative economy.
“As we bring the 2025 Zuma International Film Festival to a close and commence preparations for the 2026 edition, we affirm our commitment to offering unparalleled national, regional, and global opportunities through shared ideas and creative exchanges,” he said.
Nuhu highlighted the festival’s meticulously curated programmes, panel sessions, and screenings, which he said left participants inspired, educated, and entertained. From thought-provoking documentaries to captivating short and feature films, he noted, there was something that resonated with everyone.
The Managing Director reaffirmed the Corporation’s commitment to strengthening Nigeria’s film industry by promoting film production and cinema activities. He described the 2025 theme as a reminder of the powerful influence of storytelling and Nigeria’s cinematic excellence on global culture.
Award Highlights
The ceremony culminated in the presentation of the coveted ZUMA 2025 Awards. Winners included:
Best Animation: The Travails of Ajadi – Dir. Adeoye Adetunji (Nigeria)
Best Documentary: The Cashew Rain – Dir. Alan Schvarsberg (Brazil)
Best Picture: The Man Died – Dir. Awam Amkpa (Nigeria)
Best Cinematography: The Man Died – Dir. Awam Amkpa (Nigeria)
Best Sound: Finding Nina – Dir. Famous Eghosa Sarah Ifidon (Nigeria)
Best Costume: The Man Died – Dir. Awam Amkpa (Nigeria)
Acting & Indigenous Film Awards
Best Actor: Abdulazeem M. Ibrahim – Finding Nina (Nigeria)
Best Supporting Actor: Sam Dede – The Man Died
Best Actress: Ljapari Ben-Hirki – Finding Nina
Best Yoruba Film: Ìṣẹ́ (Penury) – Dir. Omobolanle Ayankumbi (Nigeria)
Best Hausa Film: Kakanda – Dir. Toa McBaror (Nigeria)
Best Igbo Film: Road to Hell – Dir. Kelechi Emmanuel Oritshet
Best Indigenous Nigerian Film: Ìṣẹ́ (Penury) – Dir. Omobolanle Ayankumbi; Kakanda – Dir. Toa McBaror
International Categories
Best Foreign Film: Don’t Look at Me – Dir. Natasha Atab (Brazil)
Best Director: Awam Amkpa – The Man Died (Nigeria)
Best Short Film: Dubito – Dir. Daniyal Mahmoudinia (Iran)
Best Music Video: Love:War – Dir. David Woulard & Tyler Parks (USA)
Best Skit: Lion Dance – Dir. Yu Chenglin (Taiwan)
Best Student Film: Pass – Dir. Noushin Safari (Iran)
Best Children’s Film: Beula – Dir. B. Suresh Kum (India).
