Culture

India-Nigeria Film Collaboration Celebrated in Abuja

Published

10 months ago

November 14, 2025

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.

Also read: Indian firms will invest $14bn in Nigeria – Minister

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.

Also read: Nigeria UNESCO Intangible Culinary Heritage Push

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.

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Culture

WAKE UP! Art Exhibition Returns for a Second Act

Published

1 week ago

August 27, 2026

Mariam Balogun

The contemporary art and photography exhibition “Wake Up!” is back again for a second edition.

Curated by Awele Onwordi, Wake Up! 2 exhibition pays homage to the Nigerian youth and burgeoning street culture which many of its contributing artists reference in their works.

Also read: Five rising stars battle for 2026 Headies Next Rated

Titled “Young, Wild, Free”, the exhibition celebrates the creativity, resilience, freedom and cultural influence found in Nigerian youth.

Taking aim at societal issues and economic concerns, the exhibit reflects the youth and their refusal to compromise or bow despite all the challenges stacked against them while charting youth culture through art, music, fashion, skateboarding, photography and community.

The exhibition will be held, once again, at the Angel and Muse Gallery at 25 Sumbo Jibowu street off Ribadu Road off Awolowo Road in Ikoyi.

It will open on Saturday 5 September 2026 and will run until 11 September 2026
This second edition which focuses on celebrating, nurturing and exploring artistic practices rooted in youth and street culture will feature works from DENCITY and SUPERGLIDER HOUSE.

Exhibiting artists include Ajilore Kehinde – their work is deeply influenced by Nigerian street culture and works of other artists like Slawn, Peters Ejiro, etc, Chuka Onwordi – graphic designer who embodies themes of death, melancholy and beauty in his works, ZIDYEP – Abuja based creative whose works move between digital and physical spaces through art, graphic design and air brushing , Franklyn Okoye – graphic designer and artist whose works explore themes of identity and hyper-reality, Awele Onwordi – founder & curator of WAKE UP and multidisciplinary artist whose practice spans character art, creative logo design, album covers and more , Oluchi Kogolo – digital illustrator whose work explores street culture, personality and storytelling through a raw and playful visual style and Kozetuo Apeji – multidisciplinary artists who work explores experimental approaches to problem solving through both digital and traditional art forms.

Commenting on the exhibition in her curatorial statement, Awele noted that “despite economic instability, limited opportunities and socio-political challenges, Nigerian youth continue to shape culture through music, fashion, art, skateboarding, raves, photography and community.”

Also read: Five rising stars battle for 2026 Headies Next Rated

Continuing and harping on the raison d’etre of the exhibition she said, “Young, Wild and Free exists to celebrate Nigerian youth while also creating a platform that supports and amplifies them.”