The British Council has proudly announced the launch of the second cohort of Film Lab Africa, an innovative film accelerator programme meticulously crafted to nurture and empower emerging filmmakers, screenwriters, and episodic storytellers throughout Nigeria. This significant initiative is a collaborative effort, delivered in partnership with Nigeria's prominent EbonyLife Creative Academy and the United Kingdom's esteemed Iconic Steps.

Building on the resounding success of its inaugural edition launched in 2023, Film Lab Africa has already made substantial strides in supporting nascent Nigerian film talent. The first cohort provided an intensive training experience, blending virtual and in-person learning, coupled with invaluable mentorship from leading UK and Nigerian industry professionals. A hallmark of the programme was a competitive pitch process, through which selected participants received grants to produce original short films. The initial call for applications attracted over 600 aspiring creatives, culminating in 60 successful participants whose funded films were subsequently showcased at various film festivals and to key industry stakeholders, establishing a robust pipeline of industry-ready film and television talent.

The second cohort, Film Lab Africa 2, significantly expands on this foundational success, introducing enhanced ambitions and a broader scope. A key new feature is the introduction of a dedicated writers’ lab, signaling a stronger emphasis on episodic content creation and television pilot development. While maintaining the core offerings of professional training, expert mentorship, crucial production grants, and vital industry showcase opportunities, the programme is now poised to foster even more diverse storytelling. Film Lab Africa 2 specifically targets emerging writers, producers, and directors aged between 18 and 35, offering a comprehensive and structured pathway from intensive training to practical production and ultimately, market access.

The curriculum for Film Lab Africa 2 is designed to be thorough and impactful. It encompasses online training in episodic writing, followed by a physical writers’ residency, providing an immersive environment for script development support. Alongside this, professional training for directors and producers is offered, complemented by pilot production funding to bring concepts to life. The programme culminates in strategic industry showcase events, meticulously organized to connect participants directly with potential investors and distributors, opening doors to wider audiences and career advancement.

Donna McGowan, Country Director- Nigeria for the British Council, underscored the organization’s commitment: “At the British Council, we are committed to strengthening the creative economies of both Nigeria and the UK by investing in talent, skills, and long-term partnerships. Film Lab Africa 2 reflects this commitment by connecting Nigerian creatives with UK expertise and industry networks, fostering meaningful collaboration, and creating pathways for bold, original storytelling to reach global audiences.”

The programme's reach is designed to be extensive and inclusive, aiming to engage creatives across all 36 states of Nigeria through a blend of virtual learning methodologies and strategic regional partnerships. Notably, special provisions have been integrated to facilitate and support the participation of persons with disabilities, thereby ensuring equitable and inclusive access to opportunities within the dynamic film and television industry. By seamlessly integrating international expertise with robust local industry collaboration, Film Lab Africa 2 is strategically positioned to elevate Nigerian storytelling onto the global film ecosystem, simultaneously forging sustainable career opportunities for its emerging creatives and significantly fortifying the cultural collaboration between the UK and Nigeria.

The British Council, as the UK’s international culture and education organization, plays a pivotal role in building connections, understanding, and trust globally through its work in arts and culture, education, and the English language. Operating in Nigeria since 1943, it consistently invests in emerging talent and fosters cross-cultural platforms for storytellers to thrive. Collaborating partner EbonyLife Limited, founded by Mo Abudu, is a premium Nigerian media conglomerate renowned for shaping contemporary African storytelling through content production, talent development, and strategic partnerships, with a vision to professionalize media production and elevate storytelling standards. Iconic Steps, the UK delivery partner led by CEO Victoria Ijeh-Allen, is dedicated to supporting young people in the UK’s creative industries, providing hands-on media training and pastoral care, having successfully guided over 400 young individuals into employment since its founding in 2012.