The 8th edition of the Kaduna International Film Festival (KADIFF) is set to hold in the ancient city of Kaduna from August 26 to 30, 2025, with the theme “Film for Social Change”, as filmmakers, actors, stakeholders and cultural institutions converge to explore cinema’s power to inspire transformation across society.
Speaking during the press conference held at the festival secretariat on Thursday, the Executive Director of KADIFF, Israel Audu, described film as one of the most powerful tools for shaping public consciousness, urging creatives across Nigeria and beyond to use their talents as vehicles for national reawakening.
Audu also revealed that the festival had received over 2,000 film submissions from more than 50 countries, with Uganda leading in entries for the third consecutive year.
He noted that after a rigorous screening by the festival’s nine-member jury board, 168 films from 15 countries were selected for screening during the five-day event.
He added that countries with nominations include Uganda, Nigeria, Kenya, Russia, Finland, France, USA, India, Zambia, Tunisia, Cameroon, Ghana, among others.
He said,”This growing number of submissions reflects the global appeal of KADIFF. Every year, we see increasing interest from filmmakers around the world who believe in the power of African cinema.
“Film tells us stories about everyday experiences—love, hope, death, good, evil, violence, and peace. It can be an effective tool to create meaningful social impact. It entertains, educates, and inspires people to act.”
According to him, the central focus of this year’s event is to draw attention to how films can challenge societal dysfunctions, confront injustice, and promote peace and development.
“What this means is that creators hold the power to become the drivers of the future. The script, the camera, and the editing suite are tools of inspiration. We must channel them to spark real change,” he added.
He continued that KADIFF would also run a skill acquisition programme aimed at training 200 youths in vocational areas such as pizza making, yoghurt, bournvita, body wash, palm oil, custard, rice packaging, turaren wuta, and more.
“Some lucky participants will go home with starter packs. Interested persons should send their names and areas of interest via WhatsApp to +234 915 477 0319 on or before August 20,” he said.
“This year’s festival will be held across multiple venues, with Silverbird Cinemas, Galaxy Mall hosting all film screenings, while Stronghelge Hotel will serve as the central hub for masterclasses, exhibitions, workshops, and panel sessions,” he said.
He continued that participants would also enjoy guided tourism activities to historical and cultural landmarks including the Kaduna Museum, Arewa House, Zazzau Emirate, and Fifth Chukker Polo Club. Audu, however, emphasized that only those wearing the official KADIFF 8.0 T-shirts would be eligible to partake in tourism events.
“The activities reflect our commitment to not just film, but to tourism, culture, and regional economic engagement,” he stated.
The KADIFF Executive Director used the opportunity to appreciate corporate sponsors and institutional partners who have supported this year’s edition, singling out Afrexim Bank, MacArthur Foundation, Africa Magic, MTN, Lipton, Nigeria Copyright Commission, Air Peace, KSMC, Swan Water, WAPTV, National Film and Video Censors Board, and others.
He particularly expressed gratitude to the Kaduna State Government under Governor Uba Sani for creating a friendly environment for the festival’s growth.
“We appreciate the Kaduna State Government for their continued support, especially under the leadership of His Excellency, Sen. Uba Sani, whose commitment to youth and creative industries remains unwavering,” Audu said.
Audu, who also serves as the Vice Chairman of the Nigerian Film Festivals Association, made a passionate appeal to both government and the private sector to increase support for film festivals in Nigeria, noting that they serve as vital platforms for networking, deal-making, knowledge-sharing, and exporting local content to the global market.
“Film festivals remain the only avenue where creatives and practitioners meet to market, exhibit, and promote their work globally. We must begin to treat them as engines of national development,” he added.
