Nigerian Film Festivals Association (NFFA) has said the country would hold a total of 26 recognised film festivals as captured in its newly launched 2024 calendar.
NFFA, in a statement made available to newsmen in Port Harcourt yesterday, said the 2024 calendar was launched to achieve the objective of the association and the need for proper organisation in the film industry.
The statement, which was signed by the association’s publicity secretary, Kate Ezeigbo, explained that NFFA is an umbrella body that helps in the regulation of all film festivals in Nigeria.
The statement reads in part: “The present administration led by Mr. Uche Agbo has started off the year with the launch of this calendar as this will enable creatives all around the world plan effectively to participate in the festivals.
“Film festivals promote networking, cultural exchange and diversity, marketability and distribution of our products, artistic innovation and experimentation, community engagement and economic impact.
“To achieve all of these, there is need for a proper organization and that is one of the essences of the NFFA Calendar.”
Ezeigbo called on all creatives, government parastatals, industries, guilds, investors, sponsors and individuals to take advantage of the initiative and participate.
She explained that the calendar will commence in February 15, 2024 in Abuja, the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) with the Inside Nollywood International Film Festival and Award while Nollywood Travel festival is slated for March in Milan.
Other events scheduled in the calendar include Eko International Film Festival in Lagos in April and Coal City Film festival at Enugu in March.
Igbowood Film Festival Art Exhibition and Award, Nollywood Iconic Personalities and Film Festival Award and Nollywood Film Festival scheduled for May and June while Gospel Film Festival is also to be held in June at Ibadan.
The statement further stated that Lagos will host an African Indigenous language film festival, Imo State will in July host international film festival, while Kaduna international film festival would hold in July.
In September, Bayelsa International Film Festival would hold in Yenagoa and Ibadan International Film Festival.
The statement said in October, Real Women International Film Festival would hold in Lagos, Uyo international theater and film festival and international student film festival in Port Harcourt.
Rivers State International Film Festival would hold in October while Abuja international film festival and Jos community film festival comes up in November.
Lafia documentary film festival and Kano indigenous language of Africa film market and festival will also be held in November in Kano.
Ezeigbo said Kaduna film festival will hold in November, Zuma film festival in December in Abuja, as well as Warri international film festival and Village international and film festival in Owerri, Imo State.
