Nigerian creative entrepreneur, Onye Ubanatu has been awarded the prestigious Certificate of Appreciation by Germany’s renowned Filmakademie Baden-Württemberg.

The honour recognises Ubanatu’s pivotal role in supporting the 2024 Nollywood Workshop held in Benin City, an initiative designed to foster cross-cultural collaboration between Africa’s dynamic film industry and Germany’s leading film institution.

Ubanatu’s tireless efforts have centered on empowering Nigerian and African creatives through mentorship, platform creation, and cultural exchange. By leveraging his expertise and reputation, he has opened doors for emerging filmmakers, helping them thrive in the global creative economy.

Project Coordinator of the International Office at Filmakademie Baden-Württemberg, Márk Szilágyi, lauded Ubanatu’s contributions to the workshop. “His dedication to promoting cultural understanding has earned him global recognition,” Szilágyi stated. “Our partnership with the government and people of Edo State has yielded impressive results, especially after Germany’s repatriation of the Benin Bronzes to Nigeria in December 2022. This historic gesture has further strengthened cultural ties and fostered creativity between our nations.”

Ubanatu, a multi-disciplinary entrepreneur, is well-known for his high-end visual content production and large-scale event execution. With a career spanning collaborations with top brands and cultural projects, his work is rooted in excellence, cultural understanding, and a passion for storytelling.

“This recognition means a lot to me,” Ubanatu said. “It comes from Filmakademie Baden-Württemberg, a globally respected institution that has empowered some of the best filmmakers in the world. They were also part of the success of my favorite series, Game of Thrones, and are based in my late father’s favorite European country, Germany. This truly showcases the power of collaboration and storytelling in bridging cultural divides.”

A three-time TEDx speaker and a sought-after keynote speaker, Ubanatu continues to inspire with his story and life experiences. His ability to connect people and ideas has made him a key figure in fostering creative partnerships between Nigeria and the global stage.

The Nollywood Workshop in Benin City serves as a testament to the potential of such collaborations. By bringing together African creatives and Germany’s premier film school, the initiative has created a platform for skill exchange, co-productions, and mutual learning.

The award is not just a personal achievement for Ubanatu but also a celebration of the shared vision between African and German creatives, setting the stage for more collaborations that bridge cultural and creative divides.