FG Endorses Arewa International Film Festival, Vows Support for Northern Creatives
The Federal Government has officially endorsed the Arewa International Film Festival (AIFF), reaffirming its commitment to promoting Northern Nigeria’s cultural heritage, creativity, and storytelling potential.
Minister of Art, Culture, Tourism, and the Creative Economy, Mrs Hannatu Musawa, pledged on Wednesday during the unveiling of the AIFF. The festival, themed “Showcasing untapped potential and promoting the rich historical heritage and storytelling of the Sahel region,” aims to spotlight the depth of talent and cultural wealth within Northern Nigeria.
Musawa emphasised the pivotal role of the creative industry in projecting Nigeria’s history and diversity to the global stage. However, she stressed the need for Arewa’s creative community to take initiative and prove its relevance in the larger creative landscape, rather than relying solely on government support.
She urged stakeholders in the region to showcase their strengths, reminding them that development stems from ownership and initiative. According to the minister, the government remains fully behind the AIFF, viewing it as a platform to empower the growing youth population in the North.
Musawa revealed that efforts are underway to establish film villages and develop infrastructure such as studios to further strengthen the industry. She added that Kannywood would be fully integrated into these developments to build a more inclusive and nationally recognised film industry.
She encouraged collaboration among creatives in the North, discouraging isolated efforts and promoting synergy that would make the sector more attractive to local and international investors. Musawa praised the festival organisers for initiating a platform to celebrate the North’s unique storytelling culture and values and commended the broader creative industry for its continuous efforts to reposition and rebrand itself.
Ali Nuhu, Managing Director of the Nigerian Film Corporation, described the AIFF as a strategic opportunity for Northern filmmakers to connect with counterparts from across the country and beyond. He noted that the event would uncover fresh talent and provide empowerment avenues for actors, producers, directors, and cinematographers in the region. He further emphasised that platforms like AIFF are key to tackling industry challenges such as skill gaps, lack of exposure, and limited access to funding and networks.
Convener of the festival, Rahama Sadau, said the AIFF represents not just a cultural celebration but also a movement for youth empowerment and reclaiming the Sahel’s creative narrative. She announced that over 100 carefully curated films would be screened, with a focus on spotlighting female filmmakers, emerging talents, and traditional cultural showcases like royal durbars.
Sadau noted that Northern voices have long been under-represented in global creative discourse, but the AIFF aims to change that by amplifying the region’s artistic and cultural expressions. She expressed optimism about the festival’s potential to bring global attention to conservative yet rich stories rooted in Northern identity.
She also acknowledged the Federal Government’s efforts to foster an enabling environment for creative growth, particularly in under-represented regions like the North. Sadau believes this support will lead to tangible outcomes, including job creation, youth empowerment, and enhanced cultural diplomacy. She concluded by advocating for more inclusive storytelling that reflects the diversity and resilience of the Sahel and its people