By Chinedu Adonu

ENUGU — The Windsor International Black Film Festival has partnered with the Actors Guild of Nigeria to promote Nollywood and Nigerian culture on the global stage through a special Nollywood-focused segment at its 2026 festival in Windsor, Ontario, Canada.

The festival, scheduled to hold from August 13 to 16, will feature the Nollywood Micro Section – The Actors Marketplace (TAMP), a platform designed to connect Nigerian actors and filmmakers with international industry stakeholders.

Speaking at a press briefing in Enugu, President and Festival Director of WIBFF, Queen Eghujovbo, said the initiative would create opportunities for Nigerian creatives to access global markets, secure international representation and explore co-production partnerships.

Represented by WIBFF Coordinator, Alexander Chukwudinma Nwokeabia, Eghujovbo described the collaboration as part of efforts to strengthen cultural and economic ties between Africa and the global Black community through film and creative enterprise.

According to her, TAMP will bring Nigerian actors before an international audience of casting directors, producers, distributors, talent agents, studio executives and film investors from Africa, North America, Europe, the Caribbean and South America.

“Nollywood is a major force in global cinema. This platform will provide Nigerian actors and filmmakers opportunities to access international markets, secure representation, explore co-production deals and establish strategic partnerships worldwide,” she said.

WIBFF also commended the leadership of the Actors Guild of Nigeria for advancing the interests of Nigerian actors and expanding Nollywood’s global reach.

The festival organisers specifically acknowledged the contributions of Steve Eboh in facilitating the partnership.

Special recognition was also given to Nwokeabia for his role in promoting cultural diplomacy and strengthening ties between African creatives and the global Black community.

Earlier, Eboh described the Canada edition of the AGN International Festival as a major milestone in efforts to position Nigerian actors within the international film market.

He said the initiative aligns with the vision of the guild’s leadership to create global opportunities, strategic partnerships and sustainable growth pathways for its members.

“The Canada edition of the AGN International Festival represents another significant milestone in our efforts to position Nigerian actors within the international film market and create access to global opportunities,” he said.

Eboh noted that beyond showcasing talent, the platform would serve as a marketplace for international casting opportunities, talent representation, co-productions and long-term business collaborations.

He called on governments, corporate organisations, development partners and investors to support the initiative, describing the creative industry as a powerful tool for cultural diplomacy, economic diversification, youth empowerment and positive international representation.

The festival is expected to attract actors, filmmakers, investors, distributors and other stakeholders from across the global creative industry, providing a platform to celebrate Nigerian creativity and deepen international collaboration within the film sector.