The Director of the Kaduna International Film Festival (KADIFF), Audu Kashim Israel, has urged the Federal Government, private investors and development partners to increase investment in Nigeria’s creative industry to unlock its economic potential, generate revenue and create sustainable employment opportunities for the country’s teeming youths.
He said despite Nollywood’s growing international recognition, the industry required deliberate investment in modern production facilities, accessible financing, professional training and stronger distribution networks to compete favourably in the global market, stressing that filmmakers outside major production centres, particularly in Northern Nigeria, deserved greater access to resources, partnerships and markets.
Israel spoke at a media parley with journalists in Kaduna, where he identified inadequate funding, poor production infrastructure, piracy, weak distribution networks and limited access to professional training as major challenges preventing the Nigerian film industry from attaining its full economic potential.
According to him, the success of Nigeria’s film industry should not be measured merely by the number of films produced annually, but by the employment opportunities created, investments attracted, revenue generated and the ability of Nigerian productions to penetrate local and international markets.
The KADIFF director explained that the festival was established beyond the screening of films to serve as a platform connecting filmmakers, investors, policymakers, cultural institutions, diplomats and audiences, with a view to harnessing cinema for cultural preservation, economic development and international cooperation.
He recalled that the 2026 edition of the festival, held between August 25 and 29 under the theme, “Cultural Renaissance,” brought together filmmakers, young creatives, cultural stakeholders, institutional partners and members of the diplomatic community to explore the role of culture in societal transformation and sustainable development.
Israel described filmmaking as a viable economic sector capable of stimulating growth in hospitality, transportation, fashion, tourism, event management and technical services, while also serving as an instrument of cultural diplomacy through the promotion of Nigeria’s history, languages, traditions and tourism destinations to international audiences.
Speaking on Kaduna’s potential, he said the state possessed a rich cultural heritage, educational institutions and a diverse population capable of supporting a thriving creative economy, adding that the numerous untold stories across Northern Nigeria could attract international attention, promote tourism and create opportunities for indigenous filmmakers.
He said KADIFF remained committed to nurturing emerging filmmakers, connecting local talents with established industry professionals and positioning Kaduna as a destination for cultural activities and film-related investment, while calling for stronger government policies to protect intellectual property, improve access to finance and encourage private-sector participation.
Israel particularly challenged banks, telecommunications companies, technology firms and other corporate organisations to recognise the creative industry as a viable investment destination capable of delivering commercial returns and social benefits, rather than treating filmmaking merely as an entertainment venture.
On youth empowerment, he identified acting, directing, screenwriting, cinematography, editing, animation, sound design, visual effects, production management and digital distribution as career opportunities available in filmmaking, but stressed that young creatives required practical training, mentorship, modern equipment, funding and professional networks to transform their talents into sustainable livelihoods.
The festival director also urged media organisations to pay greater attention to the economic and developmental aspects of filmmaking, including financing, distribution revenues, intellectual property rights and employment generation. He commended the Association of National Daily Newspapers Correspondents and the wider media community for their contributions to promoting emerging talents, attracting investors and holding industry stakeholders accountable.
Israel disclosed that KADIFF was preparing to celebrate its 10th anniversary in 2027, tagged “KADIFF@10,” describing the milestone as an opportunity to deepen national and international partnerships, expand opportunities for young filmmakers and strengthen Kaduna’s position as a centre for cinema and cultural exchange. He reaffirmed the festival’s commitment to promoting African stories, professional development and sustainable creative institutions, while calling for greater collaboration among government, investors, educational institutions, filmmakers and the media.
Source: The Nation
