British Council To Highlight Emerging Nigerian Filmmakers In Global Showcases – Independent Newspaper Nigeria

Ngozi Uma

The British Council has announced the start of the highly anticipated Film Lab Africa showcase season, which will highlight the work of rising filmmakers in Nigeria. This comes after weeks of intense training in the inaugural Film Lab Africa program. These filmmakers are now ready to showcase their creative productions to the world.

The Film Lab Africa showcase is a part of the British Council’s broader creative economy program, which aims to center creative potential in sustainable growth. The showcase season kicks off with events in multiple cities, starting in Lagos, Nigeria, at the Nigerian International Film and TV Summit (NIFS) on August 28, 2024. This will be followed by a British Council premiere on September 1, 2024, and the season will continue with the NIFS London and Film Africa in October 2024.

The showcase is the peak of the Film Lab Africa program, offering participants a platform to present their films, network with industry professionals, and explore opportunities for distribution and festival participation. This phase is crucial for expanding their market reach and fostering growth within the Nollywood industry.

The participating filmmakers will have the chance to celebrate their work, engage with experts, and gain the recognition they deserve. The showcase season emphasises their creative journeys, highlighting their skills, resilience, and innovation throughout the program.

“We’re incredibly proud to witness the Film Lab Africa programme’s evolution. By facilitating market access through showcases and premieres, we’re providing emerging filmmakers with invaluable opportunities to share their work on a global stage. This aligns with our commitment to nurture the creative economy and drive sustainable growth for all,” said Chilufya Besa, Acting Country Director, British Council Nigeria.

The event in Lagos on August 28, 2024, will feature exclusive short film screenings, networking opportunities, and a panel discussion on the impact of industry support on emerging filmmakers. The panel will include key industry figures such as Brenda Fashugba from the British Council, Olapeju Ibekwe from the Sterling One Foundation, Tolulope Olamide Ajayi from EbonyLife Academy, and Olasunkanmi Adebayo from Afrowren Productions.

The excitement will build towards the British Council premiere on September 1, 2024, where the work of the inaugural Film Lab Africa cohort will be celebrated. The showcase season will then continue in London, offering participants international exposure and new opportunities. The final event will be a premiere at Lagos Fringe, marking the culmination of the showcase season and celebrating the outstanding achievements of the participants.