African Film City in Epe will expand Nollywood growth, says Sanwo-Olu

Better days are coming for practitioners in the creative sector with the proposed development of African Film City in Epe, Lagos State. Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, on Thursday, disclosed this at the ground breaking for the $100 million project, which will be done in coming weeks to enhance
originality in content creation in Nollywood – Nigeria film industry.

Sanwo-Olu made the announcement at the 12th African International Film
Festival (AFRIFF) Press Briefing held at the Banquet Hall, Lagos House in Marina.

The news excited veteran filmmakers, movie producers, Nollywood actors
and celebrities who attended the briefing organised at the instance of AFRIFF and its sponsors.

The governor also disclosed that the State Government would be doubling the capacity building support for talented young industry players to enhance their skills in modern filmmaking. Besides, Sanwo-Olu said the grants being given to creative young talents for the production of short
stories will be doubled.

Sanwo-Olu assured the filmmakers of his Government’s commitment to providing resources and time in promoting anything that would put Lagos and the country on the global map.

He said: “We will be doing the groundbreaking for the African Film City before the end of this month. It is a $100 million project to be sited in 100 hectares of land in Epe. Lagos is taking the lead in promoting sustainable growth in creative industry. The first set of studios will be up on the site in the next 24 months.

“We are going to be doubling government’s support for training of young industry players. We will also double the grants being given to creative young talents for the production of short stories. We have supported over 5,000 people in creative sector to scale up the numbers in the sector.”