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Nigeria Launches “Heritage in Motion” to Turn African Cultural Preservation into a Billion-Dollar Creative Opportunity

AFIDFF and the office of the president on Arts and Culture will launch flagship initiative on August 4, 2026, creating new pathways for young creatives.

Key Takeaways:

     The Announcement: Launching of Heritage in Motion, a national initiative to document, digitize, and commercialize Africa's cultural history through storytelling.

     The Flagship Projects: Unveiling Lens-On West Africa expedition and the Heritage in Motion Documentary Club to mentor emerging filmmakers.

     Key Destinations Documented: Sukur Cultural Landscape (UNESCO World Heritage Site), Gashaka-Gumti National Park, and the Ancient Kano City Wall and Associated Sites.

     Launch Event: Tuesday, 4 August 2026 at the FCT Exhibition Pavilion, adjacent to the International Conference Centre (ICC), Abuja,

ABUJA, Nigeria, July 23rd, 2026, The African International Documentary Festival Foundation (AFIDFF), together with the Office of the Special Adviser to the President on Arts and Culture, today is announcing the launch of Heritage in Motion.

The landmark programme is designed to transform Africa’s rich cultural heritage from static historical memory into an active driver of job creation, cultural diplomacy, and global economic opportunity for young storytellers.

 

“Heritage in Motion represents a bold step towards repositioning Africa’s cultural assets as engines of opportunity, innovation, and sustainable development,” said Malame's Mangzha, Director General of AFIDFF. “Through documentary storytelling, we are preserving our heritage while creating pathways for young creatives, strengthening cultural diplomacy, and expanding the global visibility of Africa’s rich cultural narratives.”

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Core Announcements & Highlights

     Five Years of Unseen Archives: The launch will showcase five years of AFIDFF documentation of festivals and landmark destinations across Nigeria, including the UNESCO-listed Sukur Cultural Landscape in Adamawa State, Gashaka-Gumti National Park in Taraba State, and the Ancient Kano City Wall and Associated Sites.

     Launch of Lens-On Africa: A continental storytelling expedition kicking off with West Africa, capturing historic trade routes, indigenous craft traditions, and vibrant creative hubs across the region.

     The Documentary Club: A year-round incubator providing emerging African filmmakers, photographers, and sound artists with hands-on field experience, technical mentorship, and distribution access.

     UNESCO Youth Integration: Supporting the 2026 UNESCO World Heritage Volunteers (WHV) Programme across Northern Nigeria, directly involving youth in digital archival work and local conservation.

About the African International Documentary Festival Foundation (AFIDFF)

The African International Documentary Festival Foundation (AFIDFF) is dedicated to advancing documentary filmmaking, heritage preservation, and creative economy development across Africa. Since 2021, AFIDFF has spearheaded heritage documentation, built youth-focused media programs, and championed cultural diplomacy through global partnerships. For more information, visit www.afidff.org

Media & Press Contact

For further inquiries, interview requests, or to register for the launch event:

[ Media Contact Name] Head of Communications African International Documentary Festival Foundation (AFIDFF)

     Direct Line: +2348181222333

     Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

     Official Website: www.afidff.org

        Registration link:https://afidff.org/en/projects/upcoming-projects/heritage-in-motion-photo-contest

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USA: 440 #12 Logan Place Newport News, VA 23601

ART & CRAFT VILLAGE: Suite A22, Plot No. 1519, Cadastral Zone A00, Central Area. Abuja

Email: info@afidff.org

Tel: +234 818 122 23 33

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