France recently hosted the first international summit focused on the future of cinema and moving images.
The Lumière Summit took place in Saint-Paul de Vence on September 7 and was co-chaired by French President Emmanuel Macron and South Korea’s President Lee Jae-myung. Over 200 delegates from more than 55 countries attended, including Nigeria’s Minister for Arts, Culture and the Creative Economy, Hannatu Musa Musawa.
The event provided a platform for film, television, animation, and video game leaders to discuss pressing issues such as artificial intelligence, early media literacy, and sustainable economic models for the industry. Organisers described it as a strategic move to build new alliances and showcase France’s ongoing influence in the visual arts.
In Nigeria, France supports the film and audiovisual sector through partnerships like the annual Nollywood Week in Paris, skills training programmes for documentary filmmakers, and collaboration with local animation talents at international festivals. Similar support extends to the video game industry through the Lagos Games Week, training workshops with international studios, esports events, and opportunities for Nigerian developers to participate in global gatherings.
