After a successful 10-week training programme, the British Council Film Lab Africa programme has announced the selection of 20 grant recipients in the short film and microfilms categories for opportunities to get funding for their various film projects.
Brenda Fashugba, British Council’s Creative Economy Lead, Sub Saharan Africa and Head of Arts Nigeria made the announcement at a virtual creative hustle event hosted as part of the Film Lab Africa events with over 200 industry practitioners in attendance.
In her opening remarks, Brenda opined that the filmmakers indeed have displayed such tremendous capacity and exhibited a firm grasp of the goals that the Film Lab Africa project is set to achieve. She congratulated the winners and advised that they not sit on their laurels as grant recipients but strive to make a difference with their craft in their respective artistic communities.
The pitch for the grant opportunities was hosted by a panel of esteemed judges which comprised industry experts and seasoned filmmakers to meticulously evaluate the participants. Among the pool of exceptionally talented entries, ten short filmmakers and 10 micro filmmakers stood out with their outstanding creativity, story impact, and compelling storytelling prowess.
The top 10 short filmmakers will be granted a sum of £5000 each while the micro filmmakers will get £500 each from the British Council for the production of their films.
The grant recipients for the short films are Shimatever Igbawua, Twansen Danann, Stephanie Coker Aderinokun. Jemima Pearl Marcel-Udo, Akah Nnani, Anyanwu Sandra Adaora, Moses Ipadeola, Mel Rouge, Faustina Okomayin and Ami Williams while these people made the list for the top 10 micro filmmakers, Temiloluwa Oluokun, Tolulope Odebunmi, Jennifer Nkem Eneanya, Ayinde Amoo, Afahaene Winifred Allen, Fortune Animiokhali, Samuel O. Olateru, Olatomi Falore, Adikwu Lucy Hannah and Peace Monday Shalom.
The diversity of entries in terms of genres, and cultural perspectives showcased the aim of Film Lab Africa by the British Council in promoting cultural exchange, education, and creative endeavours. This programme, designed to span the next three years, exemplifies the British Council’s commitment to supporting the creative and cultural ecosystem in Nigeria, in alignment with the strategic objectives of the UK’s ODA-funded programmes.
Kehinde Joseph, one of the judges who also doubles as a story mentor on the project shared that the selection criteria was based on the cultural and social relevance of the story pitched, diversity, age and geopolitical zone of the participants for inclusivity.
Olasukanmi Adebayo of AfroWren Productions, who leads on the project as the Nigerian delivery partner in his remarks congratulated the recipients and shared that the 20 Grant beneficiaries will immediately go on a 3-week story mentorship with seasoned industry experts adept at storytelling before they proceed to the next phase of the Film Lab Africa programme which is production. “At this time, we are all working round the clock to ensure that the stories are well formed and ready for next month.”
Yemi Daramola, Director at Darimedia Distribution Limited (UK delivery partner) who was the moderator at the event reiterated that the partners are committed to ensuring that the British Council Film Lab Africa programme continues to support young, dynamic film/TV producers in the country with the necessary skill set and knowledge to navigate the landscape of the film and TV industry as successful creative entrepreneurs.
He added that they will work towards delivering more opportunities for emerging filmmakers in the Nigerian film industry to allow them to compete fairly on the global stage.
These key statements by these powerhouses corroborate the need for the finalists to be mentored by seasoned storytellers including; Professor Ahmed Yerima, Kenneth Uphopho, Kehinde Joseph, Yinka Ogun, WaltBanger Taylaur, Bunmi Ajakaiye, Emil Garuba, Tari Taylaur, Abbesi Akhamie, and Tunde Babalola.
With the potential of Nigeria’s creative economy and the flourishing film & TV sector, the Film Lab Africa programme signifies a commitment to nurturing talent and strengthening the industry.
It is an investment in the next generation of storytellers and content creators who have the power to shape the narrative of Nigeria and share it with the world. The shortlisted films will eventually showcase at premier film festivals in Nigeria, across Africa and the globe to achieve optimal outcomes through the support of the British Council.
