Key Takeaways
- Film Lab Africa is expanding its nationwide initiative with a stop in Kano on August 6, 2026
- The program brings together filmmakers, students, and creative entrepreneurs for industry conversations, learning, and collaboration
- Film Lab Africa has entered a new phase with production underway on the Film Lab Africa Anthology, a collection of original short films
- The anthology pairs selected writers and producers to bring new African stories to the screen, providing valuable hands-on production experience
Film Lab Africa continues its nationwide journey, stopping in Kano on August 6, 2026, to bring together filmmakers, students, and creative entrepreneurs for a day of industry conversations, learning, and collaboration, following successful activations in Abuja and Jos. The Abuja and Jos editions saw emerging and established voices from across Nigeria’s screen industries come together, creating opportunities for participants to engage with leading practitioners through Creative Hustle’s interactive discussions on building sustainable careers in film and television.
Through curated screenings and thought-provoking conversations, Film Club encouraged audiences to explore African cinema, contemporary storytelling, and the evolving creative landscape. As the programme expands its reach across the country, Film Lab Africa has also entered a significant new phase with production underway on the Film Lab Africa Anthology, a collection of original short films developed through the programme’s learning phases.
Film Lab Africa Anthology
The anthology pairs selected writers and producers from the cohort to bring new African stories to the screen, providing emerging filmmakers with valuable hands-on production experience alongside mentorship from established industry professionals. The first anthology film, directed by acclaimed filmmaker Daniel Oriahi, has been completed, while the second, directed by celebrated filmmaker Biodun Stephen, is now in production.
Together, the films reflect Film Lab Africa’s commitment to nurturing new talent and strengthening Nigeria’s film and television ecosystem through practical industry experience and creative collaboration. According to Chikodi Onyemerela, Director Programmes, British Council Nigeria, Film Lab Africa demonstrates the British Council’s commitment to strengthening Nigeria’s creative economy by investing in the people, partnerships, and practical opportunities that enable the screen sector to thrive.
With Kano set to host the programme’s next activation, registrations remain open for filmmakers, students, and creative professionals seeking to connect with industry experts, expand their networks, and be part of one of Africa’s leading film and television development initiatives. This presents a valuable opportunity for emerging creatives to develop their craft, build professional networks, and gain practical industry experience through Creative Hustle, Film Club, mentorship, networking opportunities, and anthology production.
Why This Matters
Film Lab Africa’s expansion and commitment to nurturing new talent contribute significantly to the growth and development of Nigeria’s film and television ecosystem, providing a platform for emerging creatives to bring original African stories to life. By investing in the people, partnerships, and practical opportunities that enable the screen sector to thrive, Film Lab Africa plays a vital role in strengthening Nigeria’s creative economy.