The Abuja International Film Festival (AIFF) has once again highlighted the resilience and creative ingenuity of Nigeria’s film industry as filmmakers, stakeholders, and cultural advocates gathered in the capital to celebrate more than two decades of contribution to the nation’s creative economy.
Speaking at the 22nd edition of the festival, former Deputy Director of Corporate Affairs at the National Film and Video Censors Board, Yunusa Tanko Abdullahi, urged filmmakers to embrace artificial intelligence (AI) as a complementary tool to enhance creativity and global visibility.
“AI alone cannot replace human creativity,” Abdullahi said. “But it can boost productivity and expand the reach of Nigerian storytelling.” He commended the festival’s founder, Fidelis Duker, for sustaining the event for 22 consecutive years despite limited institutional and financial backing.
Echoing this, industry veteran Francis Ndunugwu applauded Duker’s dedication and called for stronger collaboration between government and the private sector to support the festival. “For 22 years, this festival has run without any government support,” he noted. “It deserves recognition as a creative carnival that empowers Nigeria’s next generation of filmmakers.”
In his remarks, Duker reflected on the festival’s evolution from a modest idea into a globally acclaimed platform. He revealed that the 2025 edition received over 1,300 film entries from 95 countries, a milestone he attributed to AIFF’s credibility and international reach.
The fstival also recognized outstanding achievements in filmmaking. Soji Oganike, producer and director of Dead Tide, won the award for Outstanding Music Score, while multiple award-winning filmmaker Obi Emelonye clinched three awards, describing his wins as a “grand slam.” Emelonye encouraged young filmmakers to leverage technology and remain consistent in their craft.
Merit Awards were also presented to Kano State Governor, Abba Kabir Yusuf, for his support of the Kannywood industry, and to the Managing Director of the Bank of Industry, Olasupo Olusi, for promoting access to finance for filmmakers.
As the 22nd edition drew to a close, participants reiterated the need for structured government involvement and private sector partnerships to sustain the festival’s legacy and further solidify Nigeria’s standing as Africa’s creative powerhouse.
