The Nigerian Film Corporation (NFC) has announced film critic, and scholar, Dr Shaibu Husseini as chair of a six-person jury for the 2020 Zuma Film Festival themed ‘Content Connectivity – 2: Every view, Everywhere.’
Curiously, the NFC failed to name the five other jurors that will assess competitive entries for the festival happening from December 1 to 7.
“Membership of the jury includes both Nigerian and foreign film stakeholders who have contributed immensely to the growth of film production in Nigeria,” a statement signed by NFC’s Head of Public Affairs, Brian Etuk, offered by way of explanation.
Dr. Shaibu Husseini
The award categories the jury will judge include Best Cinematography, Best Script, Best Animation, Best Actress, Best Actor, Best Documentary, Best Foreign Film, Best Student Film, Best Picture and Best Indigenous Film.
Chair of the jury, Husseini is one of the most consistent documentarists of Nigeria’s vibrant movie industry, otherwise called Nollywood. He has served as Chair of the Selection Committee of the Africa Movie Academy Awards (AMAA) and a member of the AMAA jury.
He is also a Teaching Fellow at the Department of Mass Communication, University of Lagos and Board Member of the Association of Movie Journalists of Nigeria and African Students International Film Festival.
The vastly experienced scholar is also a member of the Nigeria Oscar Selection Committee and a senior staff of the National Troupe of Nigeria.
Commenting on preparations for the festival, Managing Director of the NFC, Dr Chidia Maduekwe, assured of a successful outing.
Meanwhile, interested filmmakers can still submit entries for the festival until November 15 through www.filmfreeway.com/zumafilmfestival; or to ZUMA Film Festival Secretariat, Nigerian Film Corporation Headquarters, Jos Plateau State.
Entry forms can be also be downloaded from the festival and NFC websites; www.zumafilmfest.gov.ng; www.nigerianfilms.gov.ng.
