With KADIFF, Audu Kashim Israel Set To Put Kaduna On Filmic Map

3 months ago 41

By Shaibu Husseini

24 August 2024 | 3:56 am

All roads lead to Kaduna for the start of the 2024 edition of the Kaduna International Film Festival (KADIFF). The festival will open on Tuesday, August 27 and run till August 31 in Kaduna. Founder of the yearly festival, Audu Israel, disclosed that the festival would continue in spite of the near lack of sponsorship, because it has become a critical tool in changing the narrative of the northern part of the country as a region grappling with insecurity. Audu, also the Vice-Chairman of Nigeria Film Festivals Association (NFFA), said that the festival would be highlighting and showcasing the rich culture of the region and its creative industry during the three-day long festival. Moviedom caught up with the festival founder and he confirmed that the festival will hold.

All Is Set For Seventh Edition Of KADIFF
YES, indeed, all is set. We are ready as a festival to welcome all our distinguished guests, members of the diplomatic corps, filmmakers, sponsors, partners, members of the press, and esteemed attendees. It will be my immense honour and privilege to welcome them to the seventh edition of the Kaduna International Film Festival. You know, the number 7 is a unique number. For me, I see the number “7” as perfection and continuity and so we will gather to celebrate the art of storytelling, the power of cinema, and the vibrant culture of Kaduna.

We Have Kept The Dream
This festival came as a result of a dream to create a platform, where diverse voices could be heard, creativity showcased, and our rich heritage shared with the world. Kaduna, with its historical significance and cultural diversity, provides the perfect backdrop for such an endeavor. Our vision for the Kaduna International Film Festival is simple yet profound: To unite filmmakers, audiences, and industry professionals in a shared passion for film. We aim to foster an environment that encourages artistic expression, nurtures emerging talents, and promotes cultural exchange. We also want to use the platform of the KADIFF to change the narrative of the northern part of the country as a region grappling with insecurity. You will agree with me that this northern part of the country is blessed with natural and human resources but it is lacking in the requisite exposure to grow in spite its many talents and potential. So through the festival, we will be highlighting and showcasing the rich culture of the region and its creative industry during the three-day long festival.

Cinema And Cultural Exchange Is Festival’s Theme
This year’s festival has the theme, ‘Cinema and cultural exchange’, and it will feature a carefully curated selection of films from around the globe, representing a myriad of genres and perspectives. We are proud to host number of films from different countries around Asia, Africa and Europe, alongside a series of workshops, panel discussions, tourism, masterclasses, and networking events. These activities are designed to inspire, educate, and connect all participants. We at KADIFF believe that film has the power to inspire change, promote peace, bridge gaps, and build understanding among diverse communities. Through this festival, we hope to shine a spotlight on the stories that matter, provoke thought and discussion, and ultimately contribute to a more inclusive and empathetic world.

The Opening And Closing Films
The award-winning Kaka by Prince Aboki is opening film of the festival while the well awarded film by Uzo Okpechi, titled, Kamsi, is the closing films for the festival. Both internationally acclaimed films were chosen for their cultural relevance and their thought-provoking themes. Both films possess high cinematic quality and production values. Kaka by Aboki showcases the rich cultural heritage of northern Nigeria and this will set the tone for the festival

Kaduna Is Safe, Lets Gather To Celebrate Films, Filmmakers
Kaduna is safe. The curfew that was placed following #Endbadgovernance protest have long been lifted and we are back to our peaceful Kaduna. So, it is safe. Some members of our board of international jurors have started arriving and we have been taking them around to see the beautiful city and interesting places.

So we are ready. But I would like to extend my deepest gratitude to the Federal Government through our Minister of Arts, Culture and Creative Economy, Hannatu Musawa, the state government under the leadership of His Excellency, Senator Uba Sani, the deputy Governor of Kaduna State, Nigeria, Her Excellency, Dr. Hadiza Sabuwa Balarabe, Ms. Paola Pace chief of mission IOM Nigeria, Dr. Ali Nuhu MD Nigerian film corporation, Dr. Jumoke Oduwole Special adviser to the president of the Federal Republic of Nigeria on PEBEC and investment, Mr. Obi Asika DG, National council for art and culture, our sponsors ; European Union, Africa magic, UAC foods, Swan water, National film and Video censors board, Nigerian film cooperation, AIT, Africa movie channel, Mswitch, News agency of Nigeria, Redcity, Chivita, Nigerian copyright commission, Afia TV, Smile, Air peace, UNFPA, MTN, the media and security agencies. partners, and volunteers who have worked tirelessly to bring this festival to life.

Their support and dedication are invaluable. I also wish to thank the filmmakers who have shared their incredible works with us, and the audience members whose enthusiasm and love for cinema make this festival possible. My appreciation also goes to the 7th Kaduna International Film Festival’s Board of Jurors, led by Dr. Victor Okhai DGN. It was a challenging task this year selecting 107 films from thousands of entries and the nominees because we had amazing entries. To this year’s zonal coordinators, we say a big thank you for your contributions and hard work to ensure the festival reaches the globe. As we embark on this exciting journey together, I invite everyone coming to Kaduna to immerse themselves in the world of film. Let us celebrate the beauty of film and the power of storytelling and engage with the stories, as well as connect with fellow enthusiasts.

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