British Council unveils Film Lab Africa for Nigerian storytellers

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The British Council has unveiled the second cohort of Film Lab Africa, a film accelerator programme aimed at supporting emerging filmmakers, screenwriters, and episodic storytellers across Nigeria.

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The initiative is being delivered in collaboration with EbonyLife Creative Academy and Iconic Steps.

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A statement shared with Saturday Beats noted that originally launched in 2023, Film Lab Africa was created to equip young Nigerian creatives with industry-relevant skills through intensive training, mentorship, and funding opportunities. The inaugural edition attracted more than 600 applications, with 60 participants selected for a programme that combined virtual and physical learning sessions led by Nigerian and UK industry professionals.

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It added that the first cohort also featured a competitive pitch process through which selected participants received grants to produce original short films, many of which were later showcased at film festivals and industry events.

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Building on the success of the first edition, the organisers said the second cohort would broaden its scope by introducing a writers’ lab and placing stronger emphasis on episodic storytelling and television pilot development.

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The programme targets emerging writers, producers, and directors between the ages of 18 and 35, offering what organisers described as a structured pathway from training to production and market access.

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Speaking on the initiative, Country Director of the British Council in Nigeria, Donna McGowan, said the programme reflects the organisation’s commitment to strengthening creative industries in both Nigeria and the United Kingdom.

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She said, “At the British Council, we are committed to strengthening the creative economies of both Nigeria and the UK by investing in talent, skills, and long-term partnerships

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“Film Lab Africa 2 reflects this commitment by connecting Nigerian creatives with UK expertise and industry networks, fostering meaningful collaboration, and creating pathways for bold, original storytelling to reach global audiences.”

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