The Nigerian Film Corporation (NFC) has urged film stakeholders to disregard the boycott of the ongoing Zuma Film Festival by the Motion Picture Practitioners’ Association of Nigeria (MOPPAN) and Arewa Filmmakers Association of Nigeria (AFMAN).

This is contained in a statement issued on Wednesday by the NFC spokesman Brian Etuk.

“We urge film stakeholders and Nigerians in general to disregard the press release by MOPPAN which has all characteristics of cheap blackmail as a hired hand for an uncalled-for proxy battle. The allegations are obviously sponsored to blackmail and scuttle the immense success so far recorded by the festival as could be attested to from several print, electronic and online platforms,” it said.

According to NFC, the rebranded Zuma Film Festival since 2017 has always taken place from December 1 to 7.

“In view of the need to ensure a truly national film festival, NFC in 2018, approached the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) for a joint hosting collaboration with Abuja designated as ‘host city’. This resulted in the signing of a memorandum of understanding (MoU) in November 2021,” the statement explained.

Subsequently, the film festival was shifted to April 2-9, 2022 but NFC noted that logistic challenges associated with implementing the collaboration resulted in its being jointly shifted to May 1-7.

It, however, mentioned that because of the Eid-el-Fitr celebrations “core activities” were moved to May 4-7.

“It is worthy to note that these dates were widely publicised to the knowledge and agreement of the President of MOPPAN, Dr Ahmad Sarari, who nominated himself,” it added. “His publicity secretary and two others via a text message on April 28, 2022, thereafter went ahead to sign the above referenced press release under MOPPAN.”

They were all scheduled to arrive at the Zuma film festival on May 4 at the Nicon Luxury Abuja where accommodation was reserved for them, said the NFC.

“It is important to note that since the present managing director/chief executive of NFC, Dr Chidia Maduekwea, assumed office, he has always made conscious efforts to carry MOPPAN along in all its programmes and activities,” the corporation stressed. “It is on record that MOPPAN members were the first group of filmmakers that the Nigerian Film Corporation led to meet with President Muhammadu Buhari.”

(NAN)