AIFF 2019; NO REPRIEVE FOR SOUTH AFRICAN FILMS AS WORLD FILM MAKERS CONVERGE ON ABUJA

Duker

129 films from world film makers will screen at the 2019 edition of Abuja International Film Festival starting from 22- 25 October 2019.

South Africa which features in AIFF over the years was banned from this year’s edition due to xenophobia against Africans including Nigerians.

All the festival events including the workshops, seminars and master classes and parties hold at the Silverbird Cinemas, Abuja

The 16 years old film festival considered by many as the catalyst to the growth of film entertainment in the Nigeria’s capital city began September 25th 2004.

Festival Director Fidelis Duker says “This is the 16th edition of the Abuja international film festival that started in 2004 and we have consistently kept to upholding the global standards of film festivals.  

“This year, the festival will feature screenings of 129 films from 56 countries over 4 days. The films cut across different genres. The festival will have its conventional panel discussions and workshops and masterclasses.  The festival will not devoid of its regular industry parties.

“Normally film festivals follow a normal pattern of screenings and discussions.  but we are bringing a twist to it this time around with two masterclasses in script development and acting.

ON BAN ON SOUTH AFRICA
"South African films will not feature this year, Next year is another time. Reason is obvious. You remember the Xenophobic attacks on fellow Africans.

FUNDING

Duker decries the lack of funding fr the festival since inception especially frm FCT which benefits from its tourism pecks. According to him  “Like most events and projects ... funding has been a challenge for us and I can confirm we have been under this global challenge affecting the festival circuit.  However I can confirm we have devised creative ways of surmounting this challenge.  I can also confirm we have not received any major support from the FCT even though the festival has been endorsed by the FCT

TOURISM VISTA

"At inception, the idea was to give young filmmakers a platform to exhibit their films because before the Abuja  International film festival, there was no platform  for them,  no one saw their films and we decided to give them such a platform.  Also prior to 2004, Abuja was only about politics....no form of entertainment and we were able to bring filmmakers to Abuja and 16 years down the line, the film industry has grown tremendously in abuja with vibrant film industry. 

SO FAR SO GOOD

"Interestingly the city has several cinemas which were non existent 16 years ago.  I think we have been able to achieve some of our objectives.  The festival has also attracted tourists in good numbers. The festival has contributed in opening the entertainment and creative industry space to talents in Abuja and beyond. We have contributed to developing the tourism landscape in Abuja.  Talent discovery has been one of our major achievements.  So many young filmmakers debuted at Abuja International film festival and are today some of the best in the industry today.  In short we have contributed to building capacity and talent for the industry