As part of its efforts to grow the creative industry, foster youth innovation, and promote the creative sector, the Edo State Government has partnered with the German Film Academy to enhance the skills of young filmmakers and drive innovation in the state’s creative economy. The collaboration aims to equip local filmmakers with advanced equipment and techniques, preparing them for future opportunities and promoting the overall growth of the sector.
During a meeting with the German Film Academy at Government House in Benin City, the Coordinator, Office of the First Lady, Edo State, Mrs. Edesili Okpebholo Anani, expressed enthusiasm for the partnership, describing it as a vital step toward empowering local talents. She highlighted Edo State’s openness to investments, especially in the creative sector, which she noted holds great potential for development.
“I am excited that we are having this exchange programme. Edo State is open to investment of all kinds. The creative industry, in particular, remains largely untapped, presenting a significant opportunity for growth and development. We are grateful for your partnership and invite you to explore more collaborations with us. We also invite you to learn from our unique cultural context and experiences, as Africa and Nigeria are blessed with rich creative potential,” Mrs. Anani said.
She emphasised the state’s deep cultural roots and creative heritage, noting the renewed sense of pride following the return of the state’s artefacts. According to her, “We are people of culture and we are proud of our rich cultural heritage, which has been reignited by the return of our artifacts, and we are grateful to the German Government. This underscores our deep connection to art and creativity, dating back to centuries. Our people are known for their intelligence, industriousness, and hard work, particularly the Edolites, who are eager to collaborate. As I mentioned earlier, our State is open to investment, and the creative sector is a key area for growth. We are excited about the film project you mentioned and look forward to exploring opportunities for partnership.”
Mrs. Anani further expressed her passion for the knowledge exchange initiative, saying it would not only educate and enlighten people about societal issues but also present Nigerian culture in an authentic way. She encouraged the visitors to experience Edo’s cultural attractions, such as Igun Street, to appreciate the local heritage.
Earlier, the Edo State Director of Entertainment and Creative Economy, and the Team Lead, Ambassador Solomon Okosun, said that local filmmakers in Benin are currently being trained by the German Film Academy, using modern filmmaking equipment for a new film project. According to him, “I am here with the leaders of the German Film Academy for the upcoming workshop they are conducting in Benin. We are collaborating with the Creative Hub. We have six students from the German Film Academy. In return, they are providing advanced training to our indigenous filmmakers. We will provide twelve and they will select six. By doing so, they are helping us expand the knowledge of these young filmmakers, preparing them for the future.”
He added that the ongoing workshop has the potential to expose local filmmakers to advanced global film standards through the partnership. The training programme, he explained, includes three weeks of intensive sessions in Benin City and one week at the Nollywood Film Festival in Lagos. The top two participants from the programme will later travel to Germany for additional training opportunities.
Also speaking, the Project Manager, Nollywood Workshop 2025, from the Filmakademie Ludwigsburg, Germany, Mr. Abel Alechenu, highlighted that the Edo-German collaboration is a three-year partnership which began in 2023. He noted that the project focuses on selecting promising local filmmakers for training in Germany, with an emphasis on promoting cultural exchange and technical development.
According to Alechenu, the programme partners with international organisations such as GIZ and provides access to advanced filmmaking tools, including high-end ARRI cameras. He said the partnership would continue to strengthen ties between Germany and Nigeria while giving Edo’s creative talents a platform to compete globally in the film and entertainment industry.