A high-powered German film industry delegation arrived in Lagos last weekend with advanced film equipment, signaling a potential boost for cross-border collaboration with Nollywood. The visit coincided with the African Film Festival (AFRIFF) and is expected to enhance technology transfer and intellectual property exchange between the two countries.
Organized by SBS Systems for Business Solutions GmbH in collaboration with AHK Nigeria and under the patronage of the German Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Energy, the initiative aims to foster partnerships in production and technology.
During AFRIFF, the delegation engaged Nigerian filmmakers, actors, and producers to share expertise. The following day, the German Consulate in Lagos hosted a networking event with Nollywood professionals, where films produced at the Filmakademie Baden-Württemberg Nollywood workshop were screened. Notably, the cultural film ỌKPẸN-ẸZẸ (By the Riverside), produced with support from the Edo State government, was showcased.
Filmakademie Project Manager Mark Szilagyi explained that participants, often mid-career professionals or young school leavers from various countries, collaborate in workshops with diverse themes tailored to audience appeal.
German Consul General in Lagos, Mr. Daniel Krull, expressed optimism about deeper cooperation, particularly in production quality and equipment, emphasizing Germany’s commitment to expanding economic, cultural, and scientific collaboration in southern Nigeria.
German producer Sandrina Koppitz highlighted the potential for supporting Nollywood through strong funding mechanisms and praised Nigeria’s creative storytelling. Nollywood leaders, including Shan George, Association of Movie Producers National Vice President, lauded the advanced equipment brought by the Germans, noting it could significantly streamline production processes.
Catherene Waiku, General Manager of DGIC International Business Services Limited, AHK Nigeria, explained that the visit was part of a BMWE-funded market entry program targeting the Nigerian film sector—the first of its kind.
The collaboration promises to usher in a new era of higher-quality, globally competitive films and strengthen cultural and economic exchange between Nigeria and Germany.
