The British Council’s Film Lab Africa, in strategic partnership with Sterling One Foundation, took centre stage at the recently concluded Africa Social Impact Summit (ASIS) 2025, showcasing promising Nigerian filmmakers and elevating African storytelling on a global platform.
Held as a high-impact side event during the summit, the Film Lab Africa screening brought together a vibrant mix of changemakers across sectors to spotlight how film and television can drive economic transformation, preserve cultural heritage, and amplify Africa’s voice internationally.
Film Lab Africa is a flagship initiative by the British Council aimed at nurturing emerging Nigerian filmmakers and television producers. The programme equips talents with crucial skills, industry knowledge, and networking opportunities, enabling them to thrive in an increasingly competitive global creative economy.
Donna McGowan, Country Director of British Council Nigeria and West Africa Cluster Lead, delivered the keynote address, underscoring the need for robust infrastructure, targeted investments, and collaborative frameworks to sustain Africa’s creative industries.
“It’s not just about discovering talent; it’s about creating lasting systems that nurture and scale it,” McGowan said. “By investing in people, policy, and platforms, we can build an Africa where creative expression becomes a thriving industry and a cornerstone of economic growth.”
The event featured a plenary session that focused on the role of African entertainment in economic development, job creation, and cultural identity shaping. Industry experts and thought leaders explored ways to harness the potential of the creative sector to foster inclusive growth and innovation.
Chikodi Onyemerela, Director of Programmes at British Council Nigeria, emphasized that creative industries are not mere cultural expressions but vital economic drivers. “Film Lab Africa is helping young Africans transition from raw talent to market-ready professionals,” he said. “Their stories are gaining global attention while simultaneously strengthening local creative ecosystems.”
Mrs. Olapeju Ibekwe, CEO of Sterling One Foundation, praised the British Council’s steadfast commitment to uplifting African storytellers. She highlighted the foundation’s mission to integrate creative arts deeply into Africa’s broader social and economic development agenda.
“The creative sector is Africa’s next growth frontier,” Ibekwe stated. “At ASIS, we are dedicated to creating platforms that elevate African voices. Film Lab Africa is not just about producing compelling stories; it’s about shaping the future landscape of Africa’s social impact.”
The screening vividly illustrated that creativity transcends cultural preservation; it serves as a catalyst for societal transformation and sustainable development across the continent.
As Nigeria’s film industry continues to expand, initiatives like Film Lab Africa provide essential support systems to harness and project local talents on the world stage. By fostering collaboration among filmmakers, investors, policymakers, and creative entrepreneurs, the programme is helping to position Nigerian cinema and television as influential contributors to the global entertainment economy.
The British Council, through such initiatives, remains committed to building an ecosystem where African stories are told authentically and reach wider audiences — boosting economic opportunities while enriching cultural identity.