British Council Reaffirms Readiness to Empower Nigerian Filmmakers

The British Council has announced its readiness to support and empower emerging Nigerian Filmmakers to help boost the country’s film industry.

The Regional Head for Creative Economy, British Council, Brenda Fashugba, made this known in Lagos during a press conference and the introduction of an empowering project for Filmmakers, “Film Lab Africa”.

According to Fashugba, the programme will help to accelerate filmmakers to thrive in the business of filmmaking.

’We have a few filmmakers who do well in the business, but there are so many of them who don’t do well at all and have not been able to turn their endeavours into a thriving business, these are the kind of people we are looking out for,’’   she explained.

On the scope of the support, Fashugba who is also the Head of Arts and Creativity in Nigeria said that the programme will include training, pitching and mentorship.

‘’There will be extensive virtual training which will cover scripting, the business of filmmaking as well as technical aspects to ensure that filmmakers have the standard to compete internationally. There will also be an opportunity to pitch for a grant of up to five thousand Pounds for up to twenty people’’, She said

Fatugba also called on other stakeholders to support the creative industry to help reduce unemployment amongst the youths and boost the country’s economy.

‘’Creative industry is the second largest employer of labour and that alone is enough to boost the economy’’, she reiterated.

On his part, the British Council Nigeria’s Director of Programmes, Chikodi Onyemerela said that the Nigerian creative industry is one of the main branding ambassadors of the country’s image internationally, hence the need for more attention and support.

‘‘The film industry contributed a lot to the perception created abroad about Nigeria. Our films that go out of the country speak volumes about us. So, there is a need for more support’’, he said.

Mr. Onyemerela also urged Nigerians especially those that will be selected to take it seriously and maximize the opportunity which according to him is very rare.

‘‘This doesn’t come all the time. Follow the instructions for the period of the training and mentorship. It is a lifetime opportunity that the UK Government is bringing to Nigerian youths. Try to maximize the opportunity. It is a huge partnership between the UK government and Nigeria and this must not be taken for granted’’, he advised.

The Africa Regional Director, Creative Economy, Farai Naibe was also in attendance.

Dominica Nwabufo