In a strategic move to support the development of Nigeria’s film and TV industries, the French Embassy has announced a partnership with the Nigerian International Film and TV Summit (NIFS). This collaboration aims to open doors for Nigerian filmmakers and TV professionals to access global platforms and opportunities, pushing the country's creative content to the international forefront.
At a recent media briefing in Lagos, the Consul General of France in Lagos, Mr. Laurent Favier, shared the exciting details of the partnership. One of the major highlights includes the French Embassy sponsoring a Nigerian delegation to represent the country at the Nigerian Pavilion during the Cannes Film Festival. This delegation, consisting of about 20 companies, will have the opportunity to showcase their work on dedicated stands, increasing their exposure on a global stage.
The partnership with NIFS is set to promote collaboration, knowledge exchange, and innovation within the Nigerian entertainment industry. NIFS, a platform committed to advancing film and television in Nigeria, Africa, and beyond, will benefit from this strategic relationship with the French Embassy, especially as it relates to international opportunities.
MIPCOM, the world’s largest entertainment content market, will play a central role in this partnership. With over 11,000 delegates, including 3,500 buyers from more than 100 countries, MIPCOM is the ultimate platform for content creators to network, share knowledge, and explore new opportunities. The event also features high-end conferences on relevant topics like Connected TV, streaming platforms, and advertising-based video-on-demand (AVOD).
The partnership will also provide Nigerian content creators with a chance to engage in discussions around these trends and position their work for international success. For four days, industry professionals, right holders, and participants will explore avenues to push Nigerian content into the global limelight, underscoring the importance of African stories on the world stage.
This isn’t the first time the French Embassy has shown its support for Nigeria’s entertainment industry. For the past three years, the Embassy has sponsored Nigerian animation studios at the Animation Film International Market in Annecy, France. Now, with this new initiative, the Embassy continues to provide Nigerian industry professionals with a platform at MIPCOM, furthering their mission to elevate African content.
According to Mr. Favier, this year’s partnership is an extension of the Embassy’s long-standing commitment to supporting the creative industries in Nigeria.
Mrs. Jonah Onah, the founder of NIFS, expressed her excitement over the level of support the French Embassy has extended. Along with Mr. Christophe Pecot, Audio-visual Attaché of the French Embassy in Nigeria, Mrs. Onah will lead the Nigerian delegation to MIPCOM. She emphasized that the 18 month program, titled Creation Africa, is designed to support entrepreneurship in the cultural and creative industries.
Onah further highlighted how this partnership reinforces NIFS’ goal to drive international business for local Nigerian companies, particularly through licensing local programs for global distribution. She believes that participation in events like MIPCOM Cannes will transform the international distribution landscape for Nigerian companies.
The collaboration between the French Embassy and NIFS marks a significant step forward in promoting Nigerian content on the global stage. By participating in major industry events like MIPCOM, Nigerian filmmakers, producers, and TV professionals are not only gaining international recognition but are also securing lucrative opportunities that will contribute to the growth of the country's creative sector.
With strong support from the French Embassy, Nigerian creatives are poised to take their place on the world stage, telling authentic African stories that resonate far beyond the continent.