Nigeria, Turkey Partner To Boost Creative Economy Through Cinema

The Federal Republic of Nigeria and the Republic of Turkey have deepened their bilateral relations with a fresh commitment to leverage the arts, culture, and motion pictures to drive economic growth and enhance social ties between the two nations.

This was the focus at the opening of day two of the 4th World Film Summit and Film Screening Festival, jointly organised by the Kaduna International Film Festival (KADIFF) and the Yunus Emre Institute (Turkish Cultural Centre) at the Embassy of Turkey in Abuja.

Speaking at the event, the Director General of the Northern Film Festival, Audu Kashim Israel, stated that the multi-faceted relationship between Nigeria and Turkey, which currently thrives in education, tourism, and diplomacy, is being strategically expanded through the creative industry.

According to him, creative collaboration between both countries will pave the way for joint film co-productions, talent exchange programmes, and robust tourism promotion, yielding economic growth for the local creative sectors.

Israel noted that Northern Nigeria possesses vast, untapped cultural and creative potential, adding that local stories are authentic, rich, and globally competitive.

He urged young African filmmakers and creatives to remain committed to professionalism, innovation, and global standards, stressing that Africa must actively take its rightful place in the rapidly evolving global film industry.

“Today’s gathering is more than a film screening; it is a meeting of cultures, ideas, histories, and creative possibilities. Film has the power to transcend borders, challenge stereotypes, inspire peace, and create understanding among people from different backgrounds,” Israel said.

In his remarks, the Director of the Yunus Emre Institute in Abuja, Mr Fatih Mahdum, described cinema as a critical tool for cultural diplomacy that bridges geographical divides and unites societies through shared human emotions and experiences.

Mahdum lauded the resilience and dynamism of both the Nigerian and Turkish film industries, expressing optimism that the summit would serve as a launchpad for young talents and future cross-border cinematic collaborations.

“We are delighted to come together to support this meaningful project, which strengthens the cultural and artistic ties between Turkey and Nigeria. This exhibition allows our two countries to get to know one another more closely through the language of cinema,” Mahdum stated.