Distinguished filmmakers, esteemed members of the Nollywood Creative Minds Forum, and honored guests, My friends in the media, Ladies and Gentlemen

I am delighted to address this gathering of creative minds, who are shaping the narrative of our beloved Nollywood industry. I must thank the leadership of the NCMF for extending this invitation to me. I have followed the activities of the forum from inception and attended previous editions as a film journalist. Today, even as a regulator, I can affirm that the forum has created a veritable platform for strengthening the Nollywood community through networking and collaboration. The forum has also facilitated partnerships and collaborations between Nollywood creatives and industry stakeholders. I congratulate the leadership of the forum and urge them to continue to facilitate discussions on industry trends, challenges and opportunities, with a focus on shaping the future of Nollywood.

Today, I have been asked to speak on a crucial aspect of our collective growth and success: the pursuit of a better filmmaking tradition. As filmmakers, we are not just storytellers; but we are custodians of our culture, our values, and our history. Our work has the power to inspire, educate, and entertain. However, with this power comes great responsibility and if you like responsiveness.

In recent years, Nollywood has experienced tremendous growth, with a significant increase in production quality, audience engagement, and global recognition. This year alone, Nollywood recorded more highest grossing movies than the previous years. This year alone, we saw a 120 percent surge in revenue at the box office and an increase in ticket purchase, thanks to the effort by our filmmakers to improve on production quality and storytelling.  However, we must acknowledge that there is still room for improvement both in storytelling and production quality.

But as we strive for excellence, we must focus on developing a better filmmaking tradition that prioritizes:

1. Quality storytelling over ‘this is what is trending’: Our stories should be authentic, engaging, and reflective of our diverse experiences.
2. Professionalism: We must adhere to industry standards, best practices, and ethical guidelines.
3. Innovation: We should embrace new technologies, techniques, and ideas to stay ahead of the curve.
4. Collaboration: We must foster a spirit of cooperation, mutual respect, and knowledge-sharing.

To achieve this vision, the NFVCB is committed to providing support and resources to filmmakers, including:

1. Capacity-building programs and workshops (Plans for a PRODUCERS, EXHIBITORS AND DISTRIBUTORS LAB)
2. Access to funding and investment opportunities (Letters of endorsement to those wishing to establish cinema, distribution and exhibition infrastructure
3. Facilitation of international collaborations and partnerships

Distinguished colleagues, Ladies and Gentlemen, the pursuit of a better filmmaking tradition requires a collective effort from all stakeholders. It is not just what only NCMF can do. It requires a deliberate effort by ALL to strive for the best for our industry. Therefore, I urge us to continue pushing the boundaries of creativity, innovation, and excellence.

Together, we can build a thriving film industry that showcases the best of Nigeria and Africa to the world.

I thank you for your attention

Dr. Shaibu Husseini

Executive Director, National Film and Video Censors Board (NFVCB)