Government Urged To Support Northern Nigeria’s Film Industry

Director of the Kaduna International Film Festival (KADIFF), Audu Kashim Israel, has called on the government to increase support for Nigeria’s film industry to unlock its economic potential and create employment opportunities for young people, particularly in Northern Nigeria.

Israel made the call during a media parley with journalists in Kaduna, where he identified inadequate funding, limited production infrastructure, piracy and insufficient professional training as major challenges facing the industry.

He said increased investment in production facilities, accessible financing, skills development and distribution networks was necessary to strengthen the competitiveness of Nigerian films in local and international markets.

According to him, the creative industry has the potential to generate revenue, attract investment and create jobs beyond entertainment if supported by appropriate policies and infrastructure.

Israel said KADIFF was established not only to showcase films but also to connect filmmakers with investors, policymakers, cultural institutions, diplomats and audiences to explore cinema’s economic, cultural and diplomatic value.

The KADIFF director noted that despite Nollywood’s growing international recognition, filmmakers continued to face challenges, including inadequate financing, limited production facilities, piracy, weak monetisation structures and insufficient access to professional training.

He said filmmakers outside major production centres, particularly in Northern Nigeria, needed greater access to funding, industry partnerships and distribution channels to compete effectively.

On the cultural significance of cinema, Israel said films could serve as instruments of cultural diplomacy by showcasing Nigeria’s history, languages, traditions, tourism destinations and contemporary experiences to international audiences.

He added that KADIFF’s engagements with diplomatic missions and cultural institutions had demonstrated the potential of film to strengthen international relations, encourage cultural exchange and create opportunities for collaboration.

On Kaduna’s prospects, Israel said the state’s rich cultural heritage, educational institutions and diverse population provided opportunities for developing a vibrant creative economy.

He noted that Kaduna and the wider Northern region had numerous untold stories that could attract national and international audiences, promote tourism and create opportunities for local filmmakers.

He said KADIFF was committed to nurturing emerging filmmakers, connecting local talents with industry professionals and positioning Kaduna as a destination for cultural activities and film-related investment.