For Capacity Building, Lufodo Academy of Performing Arts Partners with Netflix

Yinka Olatunbosun

Buoyed by the need to build capacity in creative arts, Lufodo Academy of Performing Arts instituted an innovative collaboration with the world’s leading streaming entertainment service Netflix.

Talented actors for the screen and experienced screenwriters will undergo training through this initiative with the goal to improve the local talent pool and promote Nigerian stories on the global stage. Funded through the Netflix Fund for Creative Equity, this programme is dedicated to help identify, train and provide job placement for the next generation of talent from underrepresented communities around the world.

This collaboration is indeed a milestone for Lufodo Academy, which has been developing and nurturing young talents in the Nigerian entertainment industry for over a decade. The Academy will leverage Netflix’s global reach and industry expertise to produce quality content that reflects the rich culture and diverse stories of Nigeria.

Joke Silva, the co-CEO, Performing Arts said, “We are excited to partner with Netflix on this ground-breaking initiative. Lufodo Academy has always been committed to promoting the Nigerian arts and entertainment industry and this partnership is a significant step towards achieving that aim.” The Nollywood veteran added, “We are confident that the selected actors and writers will gain invaluable skills and experience through this program, and we look forward to seeing them contribute to the growth and development of the industry.”

The selected actors and screenwriters will receive hands-on training and guidance from industry professionals throughout the duration of the programme. They will also have the opportunity to be part of a local production, which will give them exposure to new audiences. The first of this series of training commenced in July.

Thespian Ronya Man Art and Accelerate TV are part of the technical and creative sponsors for the grand collaboration. Their expertise and creativity support will help ensure the success and quality of this ground-breaking project.

Expectedly, the audition panel was made up of industry greats like Ajoke Silva, Femi Odugbemi, Ronya Man and Omonor Somolu.