Film Lab Africa Phase Two has officially entered its production phase following a major matchmaking event hosted by British Council on 8 May 2026 at its office in Lagos, Nigeria.
The event marked a significant milestone in the accelerator programme, bringing together selected writers, creative producers, mentors, and industry stakeholders ahead of the production of seven anthology pilot episodes.
Through a curated matchmaking process, seven selected writers were paired with seven creative producers based on shared creative vision and project compatibility as they move into the next stage of development.
Delivered in partnership with EbonyLife Creative Academy and Iconic Steps UK, Film Lab Africa is a targeted accelerator for the film and television sector, designed to strengthen Africa’s screen industries by equipping emerging creatives with the skills, networks, mentorship, and market access required to build sustainable careers and creative enterprises.
Film Lab Africa Phase Two is structured as an integrated development pipeline that moves participants from training and story development through to collaboration, production, and industry access via its Writers Phase, Filmmakers Phase, and Residency Phase.
The Writers Phase focused on episodic storytelling and script development, while the Filmmakers Phase equipped emerging producers and directors with practical and professional production skills.
The Residency Phase then brought participants together in an immersive collaborative environment where projects were refined through mentorship, story consultations, peer exchange, and development sessions ahead of production.
The Matchmaking Event featured project pitches, one-on-one meetings, and creative discussions that culminated in the formation of the final writer-producer teams.
Also present at the event was the British Council Country Director for Nigeria, Donna McGowan, alongside mentors, facilitators, and members of the Film Lab Africa team, reinforcing the British Council’s continued commitment to supporting the growth of Africa’s creative and cultural sectors through skills development, international collaboration, and long-term investment in emerging talent.
As the programme moves into filming, Film Lab Africa will also engage established industry directors and practitioners to mentor participants throughout the filmmaking process, providing practical industry experience within professional production environments.
The programme is also expanding its audience engagement activities across Nigeria. The next activation will take place in Abuja on 18 June 2026 with Creative Hustle Abuja and Film Club Abuja, bringing together filmmakers, industry professionals, audiences and emerging creatives for conversations, screenings and networking opportunities that further strengthen connections within the screen sector.
The programme will culminate in the production of seven anthology pilot episodes, continuing Film Lab Africa’s mission to combine training, mentorship, production support, and industry access within one integrated platform for emerging African storytellers.
