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: