Kaduna Film Festival Hosts Screening of Jideonwo's Documentary

The Kaduna International Film Festival (KADIFF) on Monday hosted the Kaduna screening of a documentary by Chude Jideonwo that explores the experiences, realities and issues affecting Nigerians through personal stories.

Held at Greyhobb in Barnawa, Kaduna, the event brought together filmmakers, creatives, stakeholders and film enthusiasts for a Citizen Roundtable and an exclusive screening.

Welcoming participants, KADIFF Executive Director Mr Israel Audu described documentary filmmaking as a way of preserving memories, examining realities, celebrating people and ideas, and sparking conversations capable of shaping society. He said the screening was more than a film viewing, but an opportunity for participants to listen, reflect, learn and engage with the issues the documentary raises.

According to him, the film offers important perspectives on the evolution of Nigeria's media and creative landscape, and on what becomes possible when young people are given the courage and platform to tell their own stories.

Audu stressed that the documentary is an independent work of journalism and storytelling, with its producers committed to documenting events affecting Nigerians through the experiences and realities they encountered in their reporting. He said the producers do not endorse or support any political party, candidate, religious organisation or faith, and sought to approach the work with fairness, accuracy and editorial independence. He added that while no documentary can capture every perspective, the production offers a chance to preserve memories, stimulate conversation and encourage audiences to reflect on issues affecting society.

He commended Jideonwo and everyone involved in the production, saying KADIFF believes strongly in cinema's power to build bridges across cultures, generations and communities.

An Abuja-based filmmaker, Mr Felix Bonkole, described the documentary as deeply emotional, particularly its portrayal of children affected by violence and women mourning at graves. "I shed tears because I can relate. We have experienced riots and other terrible things, and seeing those young children passing through this, especially the women crying at the grave, touched my heart," he said.

Bonkole commended Jideonwo for what he called serious investigative journalism, adding that the film also prompted reflection on citizens' responsibility to participate actively in society. "We cannot just fold our hands and condemn the government. We, as citizens, should also play our role," he said.

The screening was followed by a panel discussion in which panellists examined the issues raised by the documentary and shared perspectives on their implications for society. Participants also asked questions and made contributions, deepening the discussion on the issues presented in the film and the role of citizens in responding to developments in society.

The Kaduna screening followed an earlier screening of the documentary in Abuja, giving audiences in Kaduna the chance to watch the film and engage with the issues arising from its narrative.