Nigeria’s quest to deploy culture and creativity as instruments of diplomacy received a major boost on recently in Berlin, as Nigeria’s Ambassador to Germany, H.E. Ambassador Ita Enang, OFR, received the Managing Director/Chief Executive of the Nigerian Film Corporation (NFC), Dr. Ali Nuhu, at the Embassy of Nigeria in Berlin.
The courtesy visit, which attracted officials of the Embassy provided a platform for robust discussions on the growing role of Nigeria’s film industry as a driver of cultural diplomacy, international cooperation, economic empowerment and national image projection.
In his briefing, Dr. Nuhu informed the Ambassador that all was set for the 2026 edition of the Germany-Nigeria Film Week, which will open today, October 1, 2026 – a date carefully chosen to coincide with Nigeria’s Independence Day celebration – at the renowned Arsenal – Institute for Film and Video Art in Berlin. According to Dr. Nuhu, the festival, which celebrates cinematic collaboration between both nations, will be a touring showcase. After its Berlin opening, it will move to the cities of Bremen and Hamburg for further screenings, engagements and cultural exchanges, before its grand finale in Hannover on October 10, 2026. Nuhu explained that the Film Week will feature a rich lineup of Nigerian and German films, panel discussions, networking sessions and capacity-building engagements designed to foster co-productions, knowledge transfer and deeper understanding between filmmakers of both countries.
He expressed profound appreciation to Ambassador Enang and the Embassy for their invaluable support, facilitation and diplomatic interventions which have continued to create an enabling environment for Nigeria-Germany creative collaboration.
Responding, Ambassador Enang commended Dr. Nuhu for leading NFC in driving the growth and professionalization of the Nigerian film industry; reaffirming the Embassy’s full commitment to supporting programmes and initiatives that showcase Nigeria’s creative excellence.
In a passionate charge to industry practitioners, Ambassador Enang underscored the need for thoughtful, balanced and forward-looking storytelling that captures the true and positive realities of contemporary Nigeria. He encouraged filmmakers to consciously move away from overused and negative portrayals and instead embrace narratives that highlight Nigeria’s rich cultural heritage, family values, innovation, technology, entrepreneurship, youth dynamism and human potential. He further urged Nollywood to lend its influential voice by producing compelling stories that project dignity, opportunities, growth and development. He said such socially-conscious films would not only guide young Nigerians towards informed choices but also help shape more positive and accurate perceptions of Nigeria and Nigerians abroad.
Ambassador Enang disclosed that the Embassy, as part of activities marking this year’s Independence Day anniversary, will organize a medical outreach programme to provide free medical consultations and services to Nigerians living in Germany, as a demonstration of care and people-centered diplomacy. Both leaders agreed that sustained collaboration in the creative sector holds immense potential for job creation, youth empowerment, tourism promotion and strengthening of bilateral relations. The engagement is part of ongoing, deliberate efforts by the Nigerian Mission in Germany and the Nigerian Film Corporation to deepen Nigeria-Germany cultural ties and strategically harness the power of filmunifying foce connecting people, cultures and ideas across borders.
