The government of Nigeria has announced plans to showcase the country’s creative industry at the Cannes Film Festival under the umbrella of Screen Nigeria, a platform dedicated to celebrating and promoting the country’s film, television, and audiovisual industry. This move is part of the government’s efforts to empower creators, showcase Nollywood’s global impact, and foster collaboration and innovation in the industry.
According to an official statement from the country’s minister of art, culture, tourism and the creative economy, Hannatu Musa-Musawa, the platform will coordinate the international promotion of the Nigerian audiovisual industry, with incentives and audiovisual policy reforms set to be announced soon.
“Focused on empowering creators and showcasing Nollywood’s global impact, Screen Nigeria fosters collaboration, innovation, and storytelling that highlights the richness of Nigerian culture and talent,” the statement read.
What is Screen Nigeria?
Screen Nigeria is a brand of Nigeria’s official cultural and tourism promotion brand, Nigeria Everywhere. The platform aims to serve as the voice of Nigeria’s film industry, while spotlighting the latest productions, and fostering discussions on industry trends.
Further spotlighting the mission of the initiative, the Federal Ministry of Art, Culture, Tourism and the Creative Economy on its Instagram page said in a post: “Screen Nigeria aims to expand Nigeria’s creative reach by increasing visibility, attracting investments, and positioning the country as a prime destination for film production. It connects Nigerian creators with global opportunities, driving industry growth through partnerships, co-productions, and market access.”
“Despite Nollywood’s success, many creators struggle with global market access. Screen Nigeria bridges this gap by promoting Nigeria as a prime destination for productions and outsourced audiovisual work-including postproduction, animation, and game creation,” the official statement added.
“By showcasing Nigeria’s audiovisual excellence, supporting international collaborations, and attracting foreign investment, Screen Nigeria enhances the industry’s economic impact and drives job creation.”
The planned launch at the Cannes Film Festival is significant, given the French festival’s reputation as the premier platform for filmmakers to showcase their work.
