Filmmakers have expressed delight and gratitude following the launch of a masterclass series by the National Film and Video Censors Board (NFVCB).
The event, which was held at the Agip Hall of the MUSON Centre in Lagos, had several filmmakers attending the training programme for filmmakers and other stakeholders.
The maiden NFVCB masterclass series focused on three key industry areas: legal issues in filmmaking, content monetisation and production standards. Held in conjunction with the CcHUB and Ojis Production Studios Limited, the NFVCB Masterclass series had facilitators including leading filmmaker and curator, Femi Odugbemi, Sandra Oyewole, and Ms. Adetutu Laditan.
In his welcome address, the executive director of the NFVCB, Dr Shaibu Husseini, said the masterclass series represents an investment in people and the future of Nigeria’s creative industry.
“This Masterclass therefore represents an investment in people. Indeed, for us at NFVCB, this event is not just an investment in knowledge but we consider it more as an investment in the future of Nigeria’s creative industry,” Dr Husseini said.
The NFVCB boss added that the Masterclass series was introduced in response to requests made by participants at the fifth PAO Nigerian Digital Regulatory Conference held in November 2025 for more practical engagement on industry issues.
“This marks an important milestone in the Board’s continuing commitment to the growth and professional development of Nigeria’s film and audiovisual industry. This Masterclass Series was inspired by a promise. At the conclusion of the 5th PAO Nigerian Digital Regulatory Conference held in November last year, many participants expressed appreciation for the quality of discussions but also requested a platform where some of the issues raised could be explored more deeply and from a practical perspective. We listened to those requests and we are fulfilling that promise.”
At the event, veteran actress Joke Silva, who was the special guest, spoke on the theme of professionalism, innovation and sustainability, describing the three principles as the foundation upon which the future of Nigeria’s creative industry must be built.
Silva said professionalism builds trust and transforms creative talent into a respected and commercially viable industry, stressing that honouring contracts, meeting production deadlines, maintaining transparent financial practices, protecting intellectual property rights and strengthening guilds and professional associations were essential standards for the industry’s growth.
In the same vein, Dr Femi Odugbemi, entertainment lawyer Sandra Oyewole and media executive Adetutu Laditan took turns to take each session of the Masterclass series which had Francis Onwochei as the host.
During the masterclass training, the founder and CEO of Zuri24media and Blackbox Lagos, Dr. Femi Odugbemi, spoke on production standards and best practices. He asserted that everything is possible if one is smart and fast enough to move. He mentioned that accountability, capacity building, and skills are the basic crucial areas of focus to maintain production standards and best practices.
Among those in attendance were filmmaker Victor Okhai, Dayo Amusa, Femi Durojaiye and Toyin Alausa.
