India-Nigeria film collaboration celebrated in Abuja with screenings, panel discussions, and announcements of new cultural initiatives and co-productions
India-Nigeria film collaboration took centre stage in Abuja on Tuesday evening as the High Commission of India, in partnership with the Kaduna International Film Festival, hosted a special short film screening and panel discussion.
Held at the High Commission’s Chancery, the event drew members of the diplomatic community, Nollywood professionals, cultural enthusiasts, and influencers.
It celebrated the strengthening of cinematic and cultural ties between India and Nigeria.
The Indian High Commissioner to Nigeria, Ambassador Abhishek Singh, highlighted the shared cultural bonds through film. “Bollywood produces around 2000 films annually across various genres and languages.
Nigeria’s film industry, Nollywood, is the second-largest globally by volume, after Bollywood,” he said.
Ambassador Singh also acknowledged the growing Indian community in Nigeria, estimated at over 50,000, and emphasised the importance of ongoing collaborations.
He announced a new cultural initiative, ‘Bollywood and Yamarita’, which will combine screenings of Bollywood blockbusters with the serving of traditional Nigerian snacks.
During the evening, two short films were showcased: the Indian production Good Morning and the Nigerian film Not So Long a Letter.
These screenings were followed by a panel discussion moderated by journalist Swat Duniah-Adalumo, featuring filmmaker Dr Ahmed Sarari, actor and filmmaker Francis Duru, and actress-filmmaker Stephnora Okere.
The discussion explored how cinema can deepen mutual understanding, promote cross-cultural narratives, and foster creative partnerships between the Indian and Nigerian film industries.
Ambassador Singh reflected on the broader context of bilateral cultural cooperation, noting that a Programme of Culture Cooperation and Exchanges for 2024–29 was signed during Prime Minister Modi’s 2024 state visit to Nigeria.
He added that a film co-production MoU is under consideration.
The ambassador also celebrated the achievements of Indo-Nigerian filmmakers, including Hamisha Daryani, whose feature film Namaste Wahala debuted on Netflix in 2022 and whose six-episode series Postcards premiered in Lagos in May 2024.
India will soon host the International Film Festival of India in Goa from 22–28 November 2025, providing a platform for filmmakers and cinema enthusiasts worldwide to showcase remarkable films.
Since establishing diplomatic relations in 1960, India and Nigeria have maintained strong political, economic, and cultural partnerships.
Bollywood films have long been popular in Nigeria, and Nollywood has grown into one of the world’s leading film industries by output. Recent collaborations have further strengthened cinematic and cultural exchanges between the two nations.
Business3 years ago
