The National Film and Video Censors Board (NFVCB), through its Executive Director/CEO, Dr. Shaibu Husseini, has urged the creation of more film festivals across Nigeria to strengthen the cinematic business, professional networking and tourism.
He spoke at the 23rd Abuja International Film Festival (AIFF), which runs in Abuja from October 20 to 25, 2026, and brings together filmmakers, actors, regulators and creative-sector stakeholders.
Husseini praised AIFF’s endurance, calling it West Africa’s longest-running independently organized film festival and crediting founder Fidelis Duker and his company for sustaining it for over two decades. He said the festival’s ability to reach its 23rd edition showed its resilience and suggested it would continue into future editions. According to him, independent festivals survive on passion and consistency, while offering filmmakers platforms to exhibit their work, connect with industry professionals and gain visibility. He added that such events also draw visitors and showcase Nigeria’s cultural assets.
The NFVCB boss called for festivals in every state and, where feasible, every local government area, including specialized events for children’s films and gender-focused issues. He argued that a national calendar of regular festivals, potentially 37 or more, would significantly boost tourism, collaboration and knowledge exchange among filmmakers.
He also expressed optimism that policies from the Federal Ministry of Arts, Culture, Tourism and the Creative Economy and its agencies would support independent festivals and Nigeria’s film industry.
Earlier, AIFF Festival Director Temitope Duker said the 2026 edition was deepening international engagement, especially through Nigeria-China partnerships. She said the theme, “Frames Without Borders: AI, Ethics, and the Future of Filmmaking,” addressed key issues shaping global cinema.
Duker said the festival was building ties with the Chinese Embassy, NTA Startimes Nigeria and the Chinese Cultural Centre, while hosting a delegation from the China Film Administration. She described the partnership as a move beyond cultural exchange toward practical cooperation in co-productions, training, technology transfer and film distribution.
The festival features more than 90 local and international films from over 120 countries, as well as master classes and discussions on artificial intelligence ethics and international distribution.
