The British Council is excited to announce the commencement of the highly anticipated Film Lab Africa showcase season. After weeks of intensive training and development, the filmmakers who participated in the inaugural Film Lab Africa programme are now ready to present their innovative and creative productions to the world.
The showcase initiative is a key component of the British Council’s creative economy programme designed to put people and their creative potential at the center of sustainable growth, shaping an economy that works for all.
The season begins with a series of events across multiple cities, starting with the Nigerian International Film and TV Summit (NIFS) Lagos, followed by the British Council premiere on 1 September, and culminating with the Nigerian International Film and TV Summit (NIFS) London and Film Africa in October 2024.
The showcase is the pinnacle of the Film Lab Africa programme. It serves as a platform for the participants to present their films and explore opportunities for networking, distribution, and festival participation.
A significant component of the programme strategy is to equip participants with opportunities to showcase their work and expand their market reach.
This phase amplifies their creative output and fosters collaborative growth within the Nollywood industry.
The shortlisted filmmakers will, through the showcase, get an opportunity to celebrate their accomplishments, exhibit their projects, engage with industry professionals, and gain the recognition they deserve.
This season is designed to emphasise the creative journeys of these filmmakers, highlighting the skills, resilience, and innovation they have demonstrated throughout the programme.
“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.” Chilufya Besa, Acting Country Director, British Council Nigeria
Kicking off in Lagos with the NiFS showcase on the 28 of August 2024, the event will feature exclusive short film screenings, networking opportunities, and a panel session on the Impact of Industry Support on the Development of Emerging Filmmaking Talent.
This panel brings together industry heavyweights like Brenda Fashugba, Regional Lead, Creative Economy SSA/Head of Arts Nigeria – British Council, Olapeju Ibekwe, CEO of Sterling One Foundation, Tolulope Olamide Ajayi, Film/TV Director at EbonyLife Academy, Olasunkanmi Adebayo – Principal Partner on the Film Lab Africa programme from Afrowren Productions.
The excitement builds toward the highly anticipated British Council premiere on 1 September 2024, where all the participants of the inaugural Film Lab Africa cohort will be honoured and their work celebrated.
The showcase will then continue at the NiFS London and Film Africa, London – offering the 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.
Get ready for a season that will redefine the Nigerian cinema and spotlight the next generation of filmmakers on a truly global stage.
Film Lab Africa is a pioneering film accelerator programme by the British Council, dedicated to supporting budding filmmakers and TV producers in Nigeria.
This comprehensive initiative offers a robust framework of support, encompassing skill development, knowledge enrichment, and networking opportunities.
By delving into areas like mobile phone cinematography, short film production, industry entrepreneurship, and script refinement, Film Lab Africa equips participants with the essential tools to thrive in the dynamic world of film and television.
This three-year programme has already yielded impressive results, with the recent unveiling of ten exceptional short films that showcase the vibrant talent and diverse narratives of Nigeria’s emerging filmmakers.
Through rigorous training, funding, and mentorship, Film Lab Africa is not only shaping the future of Nigerian cinema but also positioning the country as a global powerhouse of creativity.
The British Council is the UK’s international organisation for cultural relations and educational opportunities.
We support peace and prosperity by building connections, understanding, and trust between people in the UK and countries worldwide.
We do this through our work in arts and culture, education, and the English language. We work with people in over 200 countries and territories and are on the ground in more than 100 countries. In 2022–23 we reached 600 million people.