Sixty young filmmakers in Nigeria are participating in a pitch session after completing a five-week training program supported by the British Council. These filmmakers are competing for grants to fund their projects in both the short film and microfilm categories, with the aim of providing crucial financial support for emerging talents.
The grants, totaling £5000 each for short film winners and £500 each for additional micro filmmakers or mobile phone cinematographers, aim to empower these dynamic creatives and enable them to succeed as entrepreneurs in the film and television industry.
Organized by delivery partners AfroWren Productions Nigeria and Darimedia Distribution UK, the Film Lab Africa initiative of the British Council equips participants with the skills and knowledge necessary to navigate the complexities of the film industry.
Brenda Fashugba, the British Council’s Creative Economy Lead for Sub-Saharan Africa, highlighted the program’s comprehensive support, emphasizing its role in empowering young filmmakers as successful creative entrepreneurs.
Supported by AfroWren Productions Nigeria, led by Olasukanmi Adebayo, the initiative aims to provide more opportunities for emerging filmmakers to compete globally.
Selected participants will receive mentorship from seasoned storytellers, including prominent figures such as Prof. Ahmed Yerima and Kenneth Uphopho, among others. This mentorship will refine their storytelling skills and prepare them for the production phase with the support of the British Council.
Don Omope of Pictograph, the technical partner to the initiative, outlined various events planned for the production season, including Creative Hustle, Film Club, and Film Lab Podcast events, to showcase creativity and foster a supportive community of filmmakers.
Yemi Daramola, Managing Director at Darimedia Distribution UK, emphasized the goal of enabling participants to engage internationally by showcasing their films at premier film festivals worldwide.
The Film Lab Africa training will continue until May 2024, leading into the production season, with the support of the British Council and its partners.
