The Kaduna International Film Festival on Monday hosted the Kaduna screening of a documentary by Chude Jideonwo, exploring experiences, realities and issues affecting Nigerians through personal stories.
The screening, held at Greyhobb, Barnawa, Kaduna, brought together filmmakers, creatives, stakeholders and film enthusiasts for a Citizen Roundtable and exclusive screening.
Israel Audu, executive director of the Kaduna International Film Festival (KADIFF), welcomed participants and described documentary filmmaking as a way to preserve memories, examine realities, celebrate people and ideas, and spark conversations that can shape society.
Mr Audu said the screening was more than watching a film; it was an opportunity for participants to listen, reflect, learn, and engage with issues raised by the documentary.
He said the documentary provided important perspectives on the evolution of Nigeria’s media and creative landscape, as well as the possibilities created when young people were given the courage and platform to tell their stories.
Mr Audu said the documentary was an independent work of journalism and storytelling, with its producers committed to documenting and examining events affecting Nigerians through the experiences, perspectives and realities encountered during their reporting.
According to him, the producers did not endorse or support any political party, candidate, religious organisation or faith, but sought to approach the work with fairness, accuracy and editorial independence.
He added that while no documentary could capture every perspective or experience, the production provided an opportunity to preserve memories, stimulate conversations and encourage audiences to reflect on issues affecting society.
Mr Audu commended Mr Jideonwo and everyone involved in the production, saying KADIFF believed strongly in cinema’s power to build bridges across cultures, generations and communities.
An Abuja-based filmmaker, Felix Bonkole, said the documentary was deeply emotional, particularly its portrayal of children affected by violence and women mourning at graves.
Mr Bonkole commended Mr Jideonwo for what he described as serious investigative journalism, saying the documentary had also prompted reflection on citizens’ responsibility to participate actively in society.
The screening was followed by a panel discussion during which panellists examined issues raised by the documentary and shared perspectives on their implications for society.
Participants also asked questions and made contributions, further deepening discussions on the issues presented in the film and citizens’ role in responding to developments in society.
The Kaduna screening followed an earlier screening of the documentary in Abuja. It gave audiences in Kaduna an opportunity to watch the film and engage with issues arising from its narrative.
(NAN)