About 52 films from over ten countries will be screened at the Kaduna Films Festival as the event was scheduled to hold in August 22 to 26 at Alliance Francais, In Kaduna State.
This was made known by the KADIFF Founder and Executive Director, Israel Kashim Audu while reflecting on his journey so far with KADIFF, expressing gratitude to God who had strengthened him and his team to remain consistent, year after year, even at the crucial moment of financial challenges.
He disclosed that the selected films feature entries from over ten countries include Uganda, India, Burkina Faso, Nigeria, France, USA, Nepal, Morrocco, Trinidad and Tobago among others.
According to him, they will be competing for nominations and prizes within 13 categories – Feature Films, Short Films, Documentaries, Experimental Films, Animation, Best Actor, Best Actress, Best Animation, Best Cinematography, Best Director, Male, Best Director, Female, Best Feature Film, Best International Film, Foreign, Best International Actor, Foreign, Best Short Film, Outstanding Documentary, Best Experimental Film, Best Screenplay, and Best Indigenous Film.
Audu said, “I can proudly say that we have reached over 68 countries since the festival began. While we prepare to host the 6th edition of the KADIFF, I again urge government at all levels, philanthropists and privileged Nigerians to please come together and support the Nigerian film industry so that we can continue to do more, project and promote our rich cultures to the world.”
The KADIFF Founder explained that films served various purposes – entertainment, escapism and but most importantly, promotion of peoples and cultures.
The latter purpose He pointed out that the latter purpose was aided by globalisation which began in the global film industry when the British Pop Rock group, the Beatles, popularly known as the Fab Four performed in America in 1964, appearing on the Ed Sullivan Show where an estimated 73 million American viewers watched, and American businesses profited off the Beatlemania hysteria by selling Beatles licensed products of grossly $50 million.
He said the involvement of versatile country like Nigeria, with rich cultural diversity, from food, dressing, languages etc., together with the peoples’ entrepreneurial spirit, the Nigerian film industry, Nollywood, has significantly contributed to the nation’s development – producing thousands of films per year. That’s the impact of globalization.
Audu added, “The concept of globalization does not entirely pose a bad effect on Nollywood rather challenged it to promote the Nigerian cultures by making them appreciated in the global sphere. Hence the reason we chose this year’s festival theme – The Globalization of Film and Its Impact on the world.
“I think film is vital to society because it gives us a chance to reflect on our own lives and the lives of others who are different and can offer us a new perspective on life.”
