“Structuring a Desirable Future and Support for the Faith-Based Filmmakers in the Nigerian Film Industry”: Keynote speech by Dr. Shaibu Husseini, Executive Director of the National Film and Video Censors Board, at the opening of the Kingdom Film Festival 2024:

Protocols

I am honored to stand before you today to discuss a crucial topic that affects us all: structuring a desirable future and support for faith-based filmmakers in our beloved industry. I want to thank the organizers for this invitation. I have followed the festival from inception and I must commend the effort they are putting in to celebrate the art of filmmaking and to provide a platform for emerging talent in the industry.

As a journalist and now the Executive Director of the National Film and Video Censors Board, I have had the privilege of witnessing first-hand the growth and evolution of our film industry. From its humble beginnings to its current status as a major player in the global film industry, Nollywood has come a long way. However, as we celebrate our successes, we must also acknowledge the challenges that faith-based filmmakers face in our industry. Some of us who were around in the early days of Nollywood, would recall the moment when faith-based films produced by Hellen Ukpabio’s Liberty Films were doing very well in the market. There was a time I interview the great RMD in his office in Ikeja and he affirmed that the movie ‘The Price’ which he starred in as lead actor was ‘selling like pure water’. Which meant that it broke sales record. This was a time when Nollywood had gone commercial with all sorts of titles, some inspiring and some not inspiring.

But faith-based films which were later popularized by gospel drama ministries such as Mount Zion Films have the power to inspire, to uplift, and to challenge our assumptions. They have the power to bring people together, to foster empathy and understanding, and to promote positive social change. However, faith-based filmmakers often face unique challenges in our industry, from securing funding and distribution to navigating censorship and cultural sensitivities.

So, what does a desirable future look like for faith-based filmmakers in Nigeria? Firstly, it is a future where faith-based films are recognized and valued for their contributions to our industry and our society. Secondly, it is a future where faith-based filmmakers have access to the resources and support they need to create high-quality, engaging films that inspire and uplift audiences. This can be achieved through partnerships with faith-based organizations, and crowdfunding initiatives. Thirdly, we need to create opportunities for faith-based filmmakers to develop their craft. This can be achieved through training programmes, workshops, and mentorship initiatives that cater specifically to the needs of faith-based filmmakers.  Fourthly, we need to promote faith-based films and celebrate their successes. This can be achieved through film festivals, awards ceremonies, and marketing campaigns that highlight the unique value proposition of faith-based films. Finally, a desirable future is a future where faith-based films are celebrated and promoted, both locally and internationally, as an integral part of our rich cultural heritage.

At the National Film and Video Censors Board, we are committed to supporting faith-based filmmakers and promoting faith-based films in Nigeria. We believe that faith-based films have the power to inspire, to uplift, and to challenge our assumptions, and we are dedicated to creating an enabling environment that supports their growth and development.

In conclusion, structuring a desirable future for faith-based filmmakers in the Nigerian film industry requires a multifaceted approach. It requires us to acknowledge the importance of faith-based films, to create opportunities for faith-based filmmakers to develop their craft, to provide funding and distribution support, and to promote faith-based films. It also requires a collaborative effort from all stakeholders in our industry. We must work together to create an enabling environment that supports faith-based filmmakers, promotes faith-based films, and celebrates our rich cultural heritage.

Thank you for your attention and please do enjoy the rest of the festival