8th Film Festival: Kaduna Ready To Sell Talents To International Markets, Says Deputy Governor

By; IBRAHIM ADAMU, Kaduna

Deputy Governor, Hadiza Balarabe has declared Kaduna State’s creative art industry worthy of international markets and capable of raking in billions of naira in revenue for Nigeria.

She made the assertion in her speech as Special Guest of Honour at 8th Kaduna International Film Festival( KADIFF) slated to hold from 26 to 30 August 2025.

Balarabe, represented by the State Commissioner of Youth, Art and Culture Gloria Ibrahim, described Kaduna as a rich and fertile ground for thriving talents, who according to her needed support and platform to showcase and make impacts on national and global stage.

While pledging the support of the administration of Governor Uba Sani for the creative industry, Balarabe charged investors to explore the state film market for promotion of art and culture and strengthening in the process a business with potential of generating billions of naira and millions of jobs for Nigerians.

“Film is not just a medium of entertainment but speaks to the conscience of people, by shaping the values, inspiring and educating the society.

“Our film and music industry contributes over 1.3 trillion naira to Nigeria’s GDP and employs more than 4.2 million Nigerians. These are not just numbers; they represent lives being touched and transformed, jobs being created and communities lifted.

“Here in Kaduna, we recognize the creative industry as a vital driver of growth with the power to create jobs for our teeming youth, stimulate tourism and open doors of opportunity for entrepreneurs.

“Our young people have the energy and the talent. What they need are platforms such as this film festival to showcase their skills and connect with wider markets. This is why Kaduna State remains committed to supporting the creative sector as part of our broader strategy to empower youth and spur economic activities,” she stated.

Earlier in his remarks, Executive Director of KADIFF and Vice Chairman Nigerian Film Festivals Association, Audu Israel revealed that over 2000 film submissions were made from 50 countries, including the United States, France, India and Uganda.

He described the massive entries as a testimony of global acceptability of the nation’s creative industry and growing influence.

Israel added that a total of 168 films had been shortlisted by a nine-member jury from the thousands of entries received.

He pointed out that this year’s festival would feature skill acquisition programme designed to empower 200 youths with practical knowledge in areas such as; pizza, yoghurt, custard, paint making and palm oil processing, adding that selected participants would receive starter packs to kickstart their ventures.