British Council Launches Capacity Building Programme for Filmmakers

Uchechukwu Nnaike

British Council has launched Film Lab Africa, a three-year programme dedicated to empowering emerging filmmakers and TV producers starting from Nigeria.

According to the Country Director of British Council Nigeria, Lucy Pearson, the programme is a testament to the British Council’s commitment to nurturing talent, promoting cross-cultural collaboration, and driving economic growth through the creative economy. 

She said Film Lab Africa will provide aspiring filmmakers and TV producers with the tools, knowledge, and resources they need to craft compelling narratives and make their mark on the global stage. “Through comprehensive capacity-building initiatives, technical training, mentorship, and workshops, participants will embark on a journey of self-discovery and creative exploration.

We will emphasise the art of mobile phone cinematography, delve into the intricacies of short film production, and navigate the complex terrain of the film and TV industry’s business aspects.

“We envision a future where Nigerian filmmakers and TV producers are celebrated on the global stage, where their voices resonate far and wide, and where their stories inspire change,” Pearson stated. 

Briefing journalists on the launch of the programme, Brenda Fashugba, the Head of Arts, Nigeria and Regional Lead Creative Economy SSA, said the programme was developed in response to some of the identified challenges in Nollywood and movie industries across Africa. 

Fashugba was accompanied by Chikodi Onyemerela, the

Director of Programmes, and Farai Ncube, Regional Arts Director, Sub-Saharan Africa.

She noted that there are no film schools in Nigeria and no clear path for filmmakers to develop a career. 

Other challenges include policy, enabling environment and education. So, the Film Lab will tackle issues around ethics, contracts, intellectual property, and access to market and trade. 

She said the programme is targeted at 60 emerging filmmakers and will entail a 10-week virtual learning session, after which the participants will be given the opportunity to pitch for grants to help them make short films, TV contents, and mobile phone cinematography. 

She said the programme will focus on policy, education

She stressed that the programme is meant for people already working in the film industry, not those intending to work in the industry. 

She said the Council hopes to support about 20 participants with a grant of up to 5,000 pounds.

She added that the grant winners will be assigned mentors who will help them shape the making of their short films.

After the short films, she said there would be an exhibition across the world.