Executive director of the Kaduna International Film Festival, Israel Kashim Audu, has shared his thoughts on the potential of treaties and the benefits of a strong partnership between Nigeria’s Nollywood and India’s Bollywood film industries.
Audu, also vice chairman of the newly established Nigerian Film Festivals Association, emphasised that meaningful collaborations and partnerships could significantly advance both creative industries.
The KADIFF boss who spoke at the opening ceremony of the Indian Film Festival Abuja, said that the synergy can promote not only the film industry but other sectors like arts, culture and tourism sub sectors.
“The synergy between the Indian and Nigerian government blossoms till eternity most especially in the areas of promoting film, arts, culture and tourism.
“So many Nigerian youths grew up watching Bollywood movies most especially in northern Nigeria. Collaboration between Nigeria and India in the creative industry could significantly impact both nations by facilitating knowledge exchange in technology, boosting market reach for creative content, fostering innovation, and creating new opportunities for talent development, particularly in areas like film, music, and digital media.
“This can really leverage the strengths of each country’s creative scene; with India providing advanced technical expertise and Nigeria contributing its rich cultural narratives and vibrant artistic expression,” says Audu.
Speaking further, Audu who has championed the cause of Kadawood – the name given to Kaduna Film Industry stated that Bollywood can impart on Nollywood and the nation which has a large youth population and a growing entertainment market.
adding that a policy frameworks and incentives were necessary to encourage and facilitate cross-border creative partnerships.
“This partnership if realized by both parties could provide a new audience for Indian creative content, while India’s established global distribution networks could open doors for Nigerian artists to reach wider international markets.
“A thriving creative industry can generate significant economic benefits through job creation, export revenue, and tourism potential for both countries. Co-productions between Nigerian and Indian filmmakers could leverage the strong storytelling traditions of Nigeria with India’s technical expertise in post-production.
“Strong policy frameworks and incentives are necessary to encourage and facilitate cross-border creative partnerships.
A collaborative relationship between Nigeria and India in the creative industry holds immense potential to drive innovation, expand market reach, and empower creative talent in both nations. At the Nigerian film festivals Association we will be ready and open to partner with the India government through the Indian high commission Abuja to promote and export our rich culture through films, tourism and arts,” he stated.
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