Director of the Kaduna International Film Festival (KADIFF), Audu Kashim Israel
The Director of the Kaduna International Film Festival (KADIFF), Audu Kashim Israel, has called on the government, private investors and development partners to increase investment in Nigeria’s creative industry to unlock its economic potential and create sustainable employment opportunities for young people.
Israel made the call during a media parley with journalists in Kaduna, where he highlighted the need for improved film production facilities, accessible financing, professional training and stronger distribution networks to position Nigeria’s film industry for greater global competitiveness.
He said KADIFF was established not merely as a platform for screening films but as an avenue for connecting filmmakers, investors, policymakers, cultural institutions, diplomats and audiences to explore cinema’s contributions to cultural preservation, economic development and international cooperation.
According to him, the 2026 edition of the festival, held from August 25 to 29 under the theme, “Cultural Renaissance,” brought together filmmakers, young creatives, cultural stakeholders, institutional partners and members of the diplomatic community to examine the role of culture in shaping society and promoting development.
The KADIFF director noted that despite Nollywood’s growing international recognition, the Nigerian film industry continued to face challenges, including inadequate funding, limited production infrastructure, piracy, weak monetisation structures and insufficient access to professional training.
He said filmmakers outside major production centres, particularly in Northern Nigeria, also needed greater access to resources, partnerships and markets.
Israel stressed that the success of the industry should not be measured solely by the number of films produced but also by the jobs created, investments attracted, revenue generated and the ability of Nigerian productions to reach audiences locally and internationally. He described filmmaking as a viable business sector capable of contributing to national economic growth.
He said cinema could also serve as an instrument of cultural diplomacy by promoting Nigeria’s history, languages, traditions, tourism destinations and contemporary experiences to international audiences.
He added that KADIFF’s engagements with diplomatic missions and cultural institutions had demonstrated the potential of film to strengthen international relationships, encourage cultural exchange and create opportunities for collaboration.
On Kaduna’s prospects, Israel said the state possessed rich cultural heritage, educational institutions and a diverse population that could support the growth of a vibrant creative economy. He said the state and the wider Northern region had numerous untold stories that could attract national and international attention, promote tourism and create opportunities for local filmmakers.
He added that KADIFF was committed to strengthening Kaduna’s creative ecosystem by nurturing emerging filmmakers, connecting local talents with industry professionals and promoting the state as a destination for cultural activities and film-related investment.
According to him, a thriving film industry could also stimulate businesses in hospitality, transportation, fashion, event management and technical services.
The KADIFF director called for stronger government policies to encourage investment, protect intellectual property, improve access to finance and support film production and cultural tourism.
He also urged private-sector organisations, including banks, telecommunications companies and technology firms, to recognise the creative economy as an investment opportunity capable of delivering commercial and social benefits.
Speaking on youth development, Israel said filmmaking offered career opportunities in acting, directing, screenwriting, cinematography, editing, sound design, animation, visual effects, production management and digital distribution.
He, however, stressed that young creatives needed practical training, mentorship, equipment, funding and professional networks to turn their talents into sustainable careers.
He also urged media organisations to devote greater attention to the economic and developmental dimensions of the film industry, including financing, distribution revenues, intellectual property rights, employment and public investment.
He particularly acknowledged the role of the Association of National Daily Newspapers Correspondents and the wider media community, describing journalists as important partners in attracting investors, promoting emerging talents and holding stakeholders accountable.
Israel disclosed that KADIFF was preparing for its 10th anniversary in 2027, describing the milestone as an opportunity to deepen national and international partnerships, expand opportunities for emerging filmmakers and strengthen Kaduna’s visibility as a destination for cinema and cultural exchange.
He said the anniversary, tagged KADIFF@10, would represent a renewed commitment to promoting African stories and building sustainable creative institutions.
He called on government, investors, educational institutions, filmmakers and the media to work together to build a more inclusive and sustainable creative economy.
Israel reaffirmed KADIFF’s commitment to promoting professional development, cultural exchange and investment in filmmaking, while welcoming constructive criticism and continued engagement with journalists to improve the festival’s work and impact.
