The Kaduna International Film Festival (KADIFF), in collaboration with the Korean Cultural Centre in Nigeria (KCCN), has hosted a special screening of Scars the Movie alongside an intensive filmmaking workshop in Abuja, using cinema as a platform to confront social injustice and deepen Nigeria–Korea cultural relations.
The event drew filmmakers, actors, students and culture enthusiasts for a critical engagement with themes of forced marriage, gender inequality and the transformative power of storytelling.
Scars the Movie chronicles the story of Hasia, a 16-year-old aspiring doctor whose dreams are cut short when her father compels her into marriage to settle a debt. Married to an older wealthy man, she endures abuse, repeated miscarriages and social isolation, as her education and autonomy are stripped away. The film highlights the intersection of poverty, patriarchy and silence that continues to undermine the rights and prospects of vulnerable girls.
Speaking at the opening ceremony, Director of KCCN Abuja, Mr. Jeon Ju-ho, described the screening as timely and significant, noting that the issues portrayed transcend national boundaries.
“Today is of immense importance because it speaks about life — and not just life, but the life of a girl child,” he said. “A child forced into the role of a woman, and brutally so. These are conversations we must not avoid.”
He emphasised that film remains one of the most potent tools for stimulating dialogue and promoting social reflection.
Director-General of KADIFF, Israel Audu, explained that the film was deliberately selected to spotlight challenges prevalent in parts of northern Nigeria.
“Hasia’s story represents the painful reality faced by many young girls whose dreams are sacrificed on the altar of poverty and cultural pressure,” Audu said. “The film exposes the emotional and generational scars such practices leave behind.”
Beyond the screening, participants undertook a practical workshop covering directing, acting and cinematography, aimed at strengthening technical capacity within Nigeria’s rapidly expanding film industry.
Audu noted that the partnership between KADIFF and KCCN reflects a broader commitment to creative collaboration between Nigeria and South Korea. He said sustained cultural exchanges — including film festivals, K-drama, K-pop, language classes, Taekwondo and culinary programmes — have contributed to fostering mutual understanding between the two countries.
According to him, more than 300,000 Nigerians have participated in Korean cultural programmes, acquiring new skills and global exposure.
“These collaborations are not just about entertainment,” he said. “They are about knowledge transfer, talent development and economic opportunity. By sharing filmmaking techniques and nurturing creative talent, we can develop a richer, blended cinematic identity.”
The event underscored the role of film as both a mirror and a bridge — reflecting pressing societal challenges while connecting cultures across continents. Stakeholders noted that as discussions continue around safeguarding the rights of the girl-child and expanding Nigeria’s creative economy, such partnerships demonstrate how art, supported by international cooperation, can inspire reform and strengthen diplomatic ties.
