TINFF, BINFF Announce Blue Pictures’ Joy Odiete as Chairman, Advisory Board

Mary Nnah

The Toronto International Nollywood Film Festival (TINFF) and Blue Pictures Entertainment Nigeria have sealed a partnership that will not only bridge the gap but also facilitate collaborations between the Canadian and Nigerian film industries.

Mrs. Joy Odiete, President, CEO, and Founder of Blue Pictures Entertainment, Cinema, Production & Distribution Nigeria, and Mr. Isioro T. Jaboro, President, CEO, and Founder of the Toronto International Nollywood Film Festival (TINFF) and the Brampton International Nollywood Film Festival, reached this partnership agreement after several meetings in Toronto, followed by a meeting with Mr. Patrick Brown, Mayor of the City of Brampton, Ontario, and staff earlier this year.

With this, Joy Odiete will serve as Chairman of the Advisory Board for both TINFF and BINFF. She has over 20 years of experience in film and entertainment, having worked as a film producer, cinema exhibitor, film aggregator and sales agent, executive producer, and film distributor.

A statement signed by Isioro T. Jaboro on behalf of the two festivals notes that “Mrs. Odiete’s leadership and knowledge are key assets that will help the festivals achieve more success and recognition in the global film community. Her passion for showcasing diverse and unique voices in cinema will surely elevate the programming for both festivals. This partnership aims to foster collaboration and promote Canadian and Nigerian cinema and entertainment on a global scale, enabling filmmakers to showcase their work to a global audience.

“TINFF-BINFF festivals and Blue Pictures Entertainment, Cinema, Production & Distribution Nigeria believe that this partnership will increase the visibility and recognition of the Canadian an Nigerian film industries, as well as foster greater cultural exchange and collaboration in the film industry. This collaboration will also promote marketing and exposure through the TINFF-BINFF festivals, as well as the distribution of Canadian, Nigerian, and African films and content to a larger and more diverse audience, thereby broadening the reach and impact of these vibrant and diverse cinematic works.

“The partnership between TINFF Canada and Blue Pictures Entertainment Nigeria aims to promote Canadian and African cinema on a global scale. The annual TINFF + CBDFM summit makes certain that Blue Pictures will convene the Canadian portion of its Next Gen Young Filmmakers and Film Business Conference at TINFF & BNFF in Brampton each year in the Greater Toronto Area, Canada.

“The agreement also calls for the execution of collaborative film screenings, pitch sessions, distributions, co-productions, workshops, and networking events to enhance cultural exchange and artistic development. By working together, both organizations hope to expand their reach and create new opportunities for filmmakers from both countries to showcase their work to a wider audience.

“We are convinced that this partnership will result in mutual benefits such as exposure, networking, and the possibility of future partnerships between Canadian and Nigerian industry stakeholders.”

The Academy of Canadian Cinema & Television, “Canada’s Oscars,” has accredited the Toronto International Nollywood Film Festival which has expanded its partnership with Brampton with an inaugural Brampton International Nollywood Film Festival (BINFF2024) Opening Ceremony in Brampton’s City Hall on October 3rd, 2024.

TINFF/BINFF’s diversity and inclusion partners include Canadian Heritage, the Canada Media Fund, Ontario Creates, Telefilm Canada, Chazz Financial, and the City of Brampton.