The Nigerian film industry, popularly known as Nollywood, stands at a critical juncture, poised for significant global expansion. However, achieving this potential requires a strategic shift from individual successes to building robust, sustainable structures that can support the industry’s long-term growth. This was the central message delivered by Kene Okwuosa, CEO of Filmhouse Group, a leading West African entertainment company, during the 2025 Cannes Film Festival. Okwuosa emphasized the need for Nollywood to establish comprehensive ecosystems encompassing licensing frameworks, exhibition strategies, co-production agreements, and international distribution networks, all designed to facilitate scale and sustainability. He underscored the global demand for African stories, urging Nollywood stakeholders to create the necessary infrastructure to meet this demand and propel the industry onto the global stage.
Okwuosa’s call for structural development was echoed by Ladun Awobokun, Chief Content Officer at FilmOne Entertainment, Filmhouse’s distribution arm. Awobokun highlighted the importance of investing in scalable ecosystems, emphasizing that the synergy of structure and sustainability is crucial for Nollywood’s global thrive. She emphasized the need for strategic investments in areas such as talent development, production facilities, and distribution networks to ensure that Nollywood can consistently deliver high-quality content to a global audience. This strategic approach would not only elevate the industry’s overall quality but also create a more sustainable and resilient foundation for long-term growth.
The Nigerian International Film Summit at Cannes provided a platform for in-depth discussions on the challenges and opportunities facing African cinema, aptly titled “The Nollywood Conversations: A Deep Dive into Opportunities to Present African Stories for Global Screens.” Filmhouse Group presented its integrated model, encompassing distribution, production, and global partnerships, as a blueprint for Nollywood’s expansion. The company’s existing partnerships with major Hollywood studios, including Disney, Warner Bros., Empire, Angel Studios, and Sony, through its distribution arm, FilmOne Entertainment, demonstrate its commitment to bridging the gap between African content and international markets.
Filmhouse’s significant market share in distributing Nollywood titles within West Africa further solidifies its position as a key player in the industry. The company’s strategic presence at Cannes signaled its intent to expand Nollywood’s global footprint, not only through content creation but also through investing in infrastructure and advocating for policies that support long-term growth. This multifaceted approach underscores Filmhouse’s understanding that sustainable growth requires a comprehensive strategy that addresses all aspects of the filmmaking process.
As part of its commitment to showcasing high-quality African stories designed for international audiences, Filmhouse showcased previews of its backed projects, including “77: The Festac Conspiracy.” This historical drama promises to captivate global viewers with its compelling narrative and high production value. By investing in projects of this caliber, Filmhouse aims to dispel existing misconceptions about African cinema and showcase the industry’s capacity to produce world-class content.
The participation of policymakers, financiers, and creatives in the summit reinforced Nigeria’s growing influence in the global entertainment economy. This collaborative engagement is crucial for creating a supportive environment for Nollywood’s development and ensuring that the industry has the resources and infrastructure to thrive. The discussions at Cannes highlighted the importance of fostering partnerships between government, private sector, and creative professionals to unlock the full potential of Nollywood and position it as a major force in the global entertainment landscape. The summit served as a catalyst for dialogue and collaboration, laying the groundwork for future initiatives that will propel Nollywood towards achieving its global ambitions. The emphasis on collaboration and strategic planning showcased a collective understanding that building a sustainable and globally competitive film industry requires a concerted effort from all stakeholders.
