Film Lab Africa 1 – Programme Overview (focus on Short Films & Micro Films)

Film Lab Africa (FLA) Nigeria was the inaugural edition of the British Council’s flagship creative economy programme in Nigeria. Designed as an accelerator-to-showcase initiative, the programme focused on empowering emerging filmmakers with the skills, networks, and platforms needed to thrive locally and globally.

Vision – To strengthen Nigeria’s film and creative sectors by equipping early-career filmmakers with the tools to tell compelling stories, access international markets, and drive inclusive development through screen-based storytelling

Programme Structure & Activities

Film Lab Africa 2023 was delivered in three phases:

1. Learning Season

  • 60 early-career Nigerian filmmakers were selected through a national call.
  • They participated in a 12-week virtual and in-person capacity building programme with facilitators from Nigeria and the UK.

Training focused on:

  • Screenwriting
  • Directing
  • Producing
  • Cinematography
  • Digital content creation
  • Storytelling for development and inclusion

2. Production & Grants

20 participants (out of 60) received production grants to create original work:

  • 10 short films (professional camera-based)
  • 10 microfilms (shot using smartphones)

Grant recipients were paired with mentors and industry experts from the UK and Nigeria.

They received technical, financial, and creative support to take their projects from script to screen.

3. Showcasing & Industry Engagement

The completed films were premiered at:

  • Film Lab Africa Lagos Showcase (Nigeria)
  • Film Africa Festival in London, UK (in partnership with the Royal African Society)

Events featured:

  • Panel discussions on film financing and distribution
  • Networking with stakeholders
  • Industry roundtables and business development conversations

Film trailers were made publicly available: 

 

Key Outcomes & Impact

Output

Figures

Emerging filmmakers trained 60
Production grants awarded 20 (10 short films + 10 microfilms)
Creative Hustle & Film Club attendees 300+ industry professionals
UK-Nigeria collaborations 20+ mentors, trainers, and panellists
Public showings & festivals Lagos & London
Gender representation ~50% female participants

Inclusive Development

- Strong focus on youth, women, and underrepresented voices

- Content explored themes like gender equality, social justice, and climate storytelling

- Accessibility embedded across selection and training

Partnerships & Delivery

- Led by the British Council Nigeria, delivered in partnership with:

  • Afrowren Productions (Nigeria) – Capacity building and production management
  • Darimedia (UK) – Showcase and UK partnerships

- Supported by:

  • Regional and UK arts teams
  • Independent filmmakers, mentors, and film associations

Lessons and Transition

The pilot proved the strong demand and relevance of structured screen development programmes in Nigeria. Key insights from Film Lab Africa 2023 informed the design of Film Lab Africa 2 – Story Lab Edition, with:

  • Deeper focus on episodic content and television storytelling
  • Stronger production and distribution pipeline
  • More intentional policy and advocacy components
  • Clearer governance and improved delivery structures based on lessons from partner engagement in 2023