Organisers of the Abuja International Film Festival have announced receipt of films from 100 countries for screening at the 2017 edition of the annual fiesta.
Fidelis Duker, the President of the Abuja International Film Festival, revealed this to the News Agency of Nigeria in Abuja on Tuesday on the sideline of the festival at the Silverbird galleria.
Duker said the 14th edition of the AIFF received an unprecedented 3,671 films from 100 countries for screening, against 767 films received from 54 countries during the 2016 edition of the festival.
Duker said: “The 13th edition was adjudged to be the best, especially in film submission, but this year is unprecedented.
“This means our AIFF is gaining more acceptance and popularity globally.
“Our global partnership has allowed us see films from countries like: Brazil, Argentina, India, Germany and the United States of America and Serbia, among others.”
According to him, 70 films have been selected by the `College of Screeners,’ for the screening and awards at the 4-day event scheduled to end on October 13.
Duker explained that the 2017 AIFF, with the theme: “Films as a Tool for National Security and Patriotism,” is geared towards discussing Nigeria’s peaceful coexistence using the motion picture.
Duker added that the event would feature master classes, seminars, panel discussions and awards for films, actors and other stakeholders nominated for the AIFF awards.
He said: “This master class will facilitate a dialogue between authors, producers, distributors, cinema owners, television companies, internet actors and financiers.
“The festival is also to feature fashion run -way where costumes and other clothing are to be showcased.
“For the first time we have the AIFF Fashion runway, because we feel there is a nexus between film and fashion.
“You cannot watch film without costumes, and we decided to showcase costumes that are unique to our culture.”
NAN reports that Abuja International Film Festival, which is organised by NAFIFO Ventures Ltd, started in 2004.
It is a platform where films, actors, producers within and outside Nigeria are showcased.
The festival is affiliated to the Durban International Film Festival, Dahlegona International Film Festival, Georgia International Film Festival, Commonwealth International Film Festival and other renowned Film Festivals.