By Esther Onyegbula

The French Embassy in Nigeria, in partnership with the Africa International Film Festival (AFRIFF), has reaffirmed its commitment to deepening Franco-Nigerian collaboration in film and audiovisual production through a renewed strategic partnership at this year’s festival in Lagos.

As part of the partnership, twelve leading French industry professionals have been invited to Lagos to participate in the 2025 edition of AFRIFF, one of the most prominent platforms in Nollywood. The collaboration aims to promote knowledge exchange, foster co-productions, and advance creative partnerships between the Nigerian and French film industries.

The French delegation, comprising producers and distributors from across France, will take part in high-level events, workshops, and pitching sessions focused on connecting emerging Nigerian filmmakers with international opportunities. The goal, according to the Embassy, is to strengthen cooperation and encourage the export of high-quality French and Nigerian content across borders.

This year’s festival also marks a significant milestone with the debut of the AFRIFF Film and Content Market (AFCM), a dedicated marketplace designed to facilitate film sales, distribution, and collaborations among filmmakers, distributors, and investors. The initiative is expected to serve as a transformative platform for African cinema, creating new pathways for international exposure and investment.

Speaking on the collaboration, the Consul Général of France in Lagos, Nigeria, Mr Laurent Favier said the partnership with AFRIFF underscores the Embassy’s long-term commitment to supporting Nigeria’s fast-growing creative and cultural industries.

“Strengthening collaborations between Nollywood and the French film industry is one of the Embassy’s key priorities,” Favier stated. “We already support Nigerian initiatives by inviting several Nigerian companies to major international festivals and markets such as MIPCOM in Cannes, Series Mania in Lille, and the Annecy International Animation Film Festival.”

He added that the Embassy’s engagement reflects France’s broader approach to global filmmaking, one that embraces international co-productions, particularly with African countries and creative talents.

“Through this event, we also want to highlight that French film production extends well beyond our borders. It reflects a vast network of international collaborations that enrich both industries,” he said.

According to Favier, bringing French professionals to Lagos is part of a strategic action plan by the French Embassy to strengthen Nigeria’s creative ecosystem and build the capacity of stakeholders through sustained engagement, training, and partnerships.

Throughout the year, the French Embassy supports numerous initiatives, including workshops, networking sessions, and professional exchanges between Nigerian and French filmmakers, all geared toward fostering a dynamic, globally competitive African film industry.