By Benjamin Njoku

The Coal City Film Festival (CCFF) successfully hosted the third edition of its flagship thought‑leadership series, Homecoming Conversations, in Enugu. The event, themed “Nollywood and Security: Using Creative Industry Solutions to Tackle Local Insecurity,” gathered filmmakers, security officials, government representatives, and media to explore how cinema can shape national security discourse and community stability.
Key speakers included renowned filmmaker Chief Lancelot Oduwa Imasuen and NSCDC State Commandant Dr. CC Elijah Etim Willie, who both stressed the power of film for social orientation, behavioral change, and community engagement, and called for stronger collaboration between creators and security institutions.
Uche Agbo, Founder and Executive Director of CCFF, described Homecoming Conversations as a platform that moves film beyond entertainment to serve as a strategic tool for dialogue, advocacy, and nation‑building as the festival prepares for its 6th edition in March 2026.
According to him, “As the Coal City Film Festival grows into its sixth year, we are intentional about using film not just for entertainment, but as a strategic instrument for dialogue, advocacy, and nation-building.”
Participants discussed responsible storytelling, the influence of filmmakers on public perception of security, and practical ways the creative industry can support government efforts to address grassroots insecurity.
The series has become a cornerstone of the Coal City Film Festival, reinforcing Enugu’s status as a hub for cultural exchange and creative policy dialogue. CCFF continues to seek partnerships, sponsorships, and institutional support to sustain its impact on Nigeria’s creative economy.