AFIDFF Launches Virtual Tour of Nigerian Heritage Sites on Google Arts & Culture Nigeria

The African International Documentary Festival Foundation (AFIDFF) is proud to announce the official launch of its digital heritage collection on Google Arts & Culture. As part of the Africa Day celebration, AFIDFF’s work is featured in Google’s editorial exhibit and highlighted in a special Google Blog post, alongside over 100 curated collections from top museums and cultural institutions across the continent. This milestone showcases Nigeria’s rich and diverse heritage, from the iconic Sukur Cultural Landscape to other significant historical, cultural, and natural landmarks, bringing the nation’s living stories to a global audience in powerful new ways.

This marks a significant milestone in AFIDFF’s ongoing commitment to preserving and celebrating Africa’s cultural heritage. The featured exhibition highlights the Sukur Cultural Landscape, Nigeria’s first UNESCO World Heritage Site and Africa’s first recognized cultural landscape, as part of a special showcase for Africa Day 2025.

The collection showcases immersive stories, short films, photographs, and interactive experiences, digitally preserving heritage while inspiring new generations. It also demonstrates how digital innovation can bridge communities, empower youth, and revitalize local knowledge systems through accessible, world-class platforms.

This launch is the result of three years of dedicated work by AFIDFF, capturing stories, traditions, and the intangible heritage of the Sukur people and other cultural expressions across Nigeria. The Sukur Cultural Landscape exhibit is now accessible to a global audience through the Google Arts & Culture platform, providing immersive storytelling and 3D visual documentation of the site’s history, environment, and local customs.

We are deeply honoured to be part of this landmark digital initiative by Google Arts & Culture, said Malame N. Mangza, Director General of AFIDFF. “Our participation allows us to share not just images, but the heart and soul of a community that has long safeguarded its heritage. The Sukur story is not only a Nigerian story it is Africa’s story.

AFIDFF extends its heartfelt gratitude to to His Royal Highness, Ptil of Madagali, Dr. Ali Danburan, the district head of Sukur, Sir, Markus Ezra Makama, the Hidi of Sukur, Luka Gezik, the Sukur Traditional Council for their support throughout the project. We also recognize the generosity and cooperation of the Sukur community, whose openness made it possible to capture and share their remarkable heritage. We also extend our appreciation to the National Commission for Museums and Monuments (NCMM), the custodians of Nigeria’s heritage, for their support and collaboration. A special thank you to Mr. Sham Anthony, the dedicated Site Manager of the Sukur Cultural Landscape, whose commitment and guidance have been instrumental in bringing this project to life. Special thanks go to AFIDFF team members Eddymark Onoja, Priscilla Hon and James Ejimnaka for their outstanding dedication to documentation and storytelling. Finally, we are deeply grateful to Google Arts & Culture for providing the platform that elevates local narratives to a global audience.

The Foundation invites cultural enthusiasts, educators, and the general public to explore the newly launched digital collection and share in the celebration of Africa’s timeless heritage.

 Visit the collection here: https://artsandculture.google.com/partner/african-international-documentary-festival-foundation