The African International Documentary Festival Foundation (AFIDFF), in partnership with the Office of the Special Adviser to the President on Arts, Culture, Tourism and the Creative Economy, has celebrated the fifth anniversary of Heritage in Motion, an initiative dedicated to preserving Africa’s cultural heritage through documentary storytelling.
Launched in 2021, Heritage in Motion has spent the past five years documenting Nigeria’s rich cultural history while creating opportunities for young creatives. The initiative promotes heritage preservation, youth empowerment and job creation by using film to tell authentic African stories.
Speaking at the anniversary event, stakeholders called for stronger collaboration between government, cultural institutions, filmmakers and local communities. They said preserving Africa’s heritage requires a collective effort and remains essential to protecting cultural identity while showcasing the continent’s rich history to the world.
As part of the celebration, guests watched a documentary that reflected on AFIDFF’s five-year journey across Nigeria. The film highlighted Kano’s vibrant craftsmanship, cultural traditions, and innovation. It also demonstrated how preserving local history can inspire younger generations to value their identity and contribute to protecting Nigeria’s heritage.
The documentary showcased some of Nigeria’s most significant cultural landmarks, including the UNESCO-listed Sukur Cultural Landscape, Gashaka-Gumti National Park and Ancient Kano City Wall. AFIDFF said documenting these sites helps safeguard important aspects of Africa’s history before they disappear.
Minister of Arts, Culture, Tourism and the Creative Economy, Hanatu Musa Musawa, reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to strengthening the creative economy. She said Heritage in Motion supports the government’s vision of using arts, culture and tourism to drive economic growth while preserving Nigeria’s cultural assets.
The Minister also commended AFIDFF’s documentation work across Kano, Taraba and Adamawa States. She noted that the initiative equips young Nigerians with practical skills and provides platforms to build careers in documentary filmmaking and cultural preservation.
The Special Adviser to the President on Arts, Culture, Tourism and the Creative Economy described the partnership as an important investment in Africa’s future. She said initiatives like Heritage in Motion ensure that African stories are documented, preserved and shared from an authentic African perspective.
Organizers described Heritage in Motion as more than an anniversary celebration. They said it has evolved into a movement that combines documentary filmmaking, research and community engagement to preserve Africa’s diverse cultures and historical legacy.
Filmmakers at the event also stressed the importance of documentaries in protecting cultural identity. They described documentary films as powerful tools for recording untold stories, amplifying local voices and preserving traditions that could otherwise fade over time.
Participants praised the initiative for inspiring a new generation of storytellers and cultural ambassadors, many said the program encouraged them to become active contributors to preserving Nigeria’s heritage through creativity, education and community engagement.
As Heritage in Motion enters its next chapter, AFIDFF hopes the initiative will inspire more Nigerians to document, preserve and celebrate the country’s rich cultural heritage. The Foundation believes that protecting Africa’s stories today will ensure future generations inherit a stronger understanding of their history, identity and shared cultural legacy.
