Preparations for the 8th Kaduna International Film Festival (KADIFF) are in top gear, with organisers confirming the receipt of more than 2,000 film entries from over 50 countries, including the United States, France, India, and Uganda.
The 2025 edition, scheduled to take place from August 26 to 30, will spotlight the theme “Film for Social Change,” a concept designed to harness the power of cinema as a catalyst for civic education, national development, and social transformation.
Addressing a world press conference in Kaduna on Thursday, the Executive Director of KADIFF and Vice Chairman of the Nigerian Film Festivals Association, Mr. Audu Kashim Israel, described the level of international participation as a testament to Nigeria’s rising influence in the creative sector and its expanding cultural footprint.
“Film is a compelling medium of expression that mirrors society, shapes public discourse, and mobilises action. We are convinced that filmmakers have a duty to lead conversations that promote change and inspire new ways of thinking,” he said.
Out of the thousands of entries received, a total of 168 films have been shortlisted by a nine-member jury panel. Uganda topped the submissions list for the third year running, followed by strong entries from Nigeria, Kenya, Russia, Finland, Tunisia, Cameroon, and Zambia.
Highlighting the festival’s community development initiatives, Israel disclosed that this year’s edition will include a skills acquisition component targeting 200 youths. Beneficiaries will be trained in diverse areas, including pizza preparation, yoghurt and custard production, paint making, and palm oil processing. Successful participants will receive starter kits to support their entrepreneurial journeys.
The organisers also announced a short film contest, hosted in partnership with Lipton, to encourage emerging Nigerian filmmakers. The competition seeks original short films, no longer than 10 minutes, that explore family stories set around breakfast. Winning entries will be showcased and awarded during the festival’s closing ceremony.
Screenings for this year’s festival will be held at the Silverbird Cinema, Galaxy Mall, while supplementary activities are planned for Stonghelge Hotel. In addition, guided tours to historic and cultural sites, such as Arewa House, the Zazzau Emirate, the Fifth Chukker Polo Resort, and the Kaduna Museum, will offer visitors a taste of the state’s tourism potential.
Mr. Israel commended Governor Uba Sani and the Kaduna State Government for their continued support of the creative industry, noting that such partnerships are vital to the success of cultural events.
He further appealed to public and private stakeholders to invest in film festivals, stressing that they serve as crucial platforms for talent discovery, cultural promotion, and international collaboration.
