As part of initiatives to boost the global presence of the Nigerian film industry, known as Nollywood, through international engagements and collaborations, the Actors Guild of Nigeria (AGN), the umbrella body for professional screen actors in the industry, is set to hold the 2025 UK-Nollywood Roundtable.
Dr. Emeka Rollas, AGN National President, stated this on Thursday during a ‘State of the Guild’ news conference at the guild’s national secretariat in Abuja.
According to him, the UK-Nollywood Roundtable, now in its second edition, is slated for November in the United Kingdom, with the theme “Language, Accent, and Audience: Balancing Global Reach with Audience Integrity.”
“It will bring together actors, filmmakers, and cultural advocates to explore the theme, and discussions will focus on how language and accent influence audience connection, cultural identity, and international market accessibility.”
He added that “Key topics include: Celebrating linguistic diversity while aligning with global standards; subtitling and dubbing for inclusivity; how neutral accents, though sometimes necessary, may dilute cultural essence.”
The AGN helmsman further said that the guild will also participate in the Federation of International Actors Congress, scheduled to be held from November 12 to 15, 2025, in Birmingham, United Kingdom.
He said, “The congress takes place every four years, where conversations are centred on the welfare and challenges of member countries.”
Rollas explained that plans were underway to successfully hold the 3rd edition of the AGN International Festival: The Actors Marketplace (TAMP) in Atlanta, Georgia, in the United States from November 21 to 22.
“This remains a flagship event, aimed at showcasing the rich talent pool within Nollywood to international producers, studios, casting agencies, and stakeholders—cementing our position as a global creative force,” he said.
The National President also lauded Nigeria’s participation in the just concluded Roundtable Discussion on Collective Bargaining and Royalties for Actors in Africa held from July 16 to 20 in South Africa.
He said the roundtable marked a convergence of passionate minds determined to rewrite the narrative for African actors.
He said, “Our discussions were both robust and insightful, addressing the core challenges in our industry contract.
“Let me begin by extending heartfelt appreciation to everyone who made this event not just possible but memorable.
“From the organising committee, the AGN Director of Pan African Actors Relations, Ms. Juliet Ibrahim; panelists; our moderator, Mr. Tuvi Ugo James, Nollywood actor who now resides in South Africa; technical team; Mr. Peter Kawa, National President of the Kenya Actors Guild; Mr. Jack Davenarain, National Chairman of the South African Actors Guild (SAGA).
Others include Chief Fred Takum of the National Actors Guild of Cameroon, and especially the actors and creative professionals who joined us from across the African continent—Malawi, Zimbabwe, and others.”
The guild’s National Electoral Committee (AGNEC) for its forthcoming national election was also inaugurated at the news conference, with veteran Nollywood actor Steve Eboh as chairman of the committee.
The 7-man committee has Blessing Edward as Secretary, including Sandra Okereke, Usman Galadima, Kemi Adekomi, Leo Ewuzie, and Elizabeth Ofuani as members.
Rollas charged the committee to ensure transparency and fairness in carrying out the task of electing new leaders for the guild.
The AGN boss, who is serving his last tenure, said members of the AGNEC were drawn from different parts of the country and were constituted after due ratification by the guild’s board of trustees.
