The Story⚡
Tell Me More
The fund was launched in October 2025 as a closed-ended vehicle designed to address longstanding financing challenges in Nollywood. It provides capital to Nigerian-led film projects, companies, and special purpose vehicles (SPVs) across the full value chain, including pre-production, production, and distribution stages.
Supported categories include feature films, television and streaming series, documentaries, and film-industry infrastructure such as studios, equipment rental services, post-production facilities, and distribution networks. The focus is on proposals that demonstrate commercial potential and the ability to generate predictable revenue streams in both local and foreign currencies.
Projects undergo formal review by an advisory committee that includes established industry figures:
Richard Mofe-Damijo
Richard Mofe-Damijo, popularly known as RMD, is a Nigerian actor, writer, producer, lawyer, and former journalist. He gained early recognition for his role in the television soap opera Ripples and has since appeared in numerous films, including The Wedding Party. He has also served as Commissioner for Culture and Tourism in Delta State.
Omoni Oboli
Omoni Oboli is a Nigerian actress, scriptwriter, film director, and producer. Born in Benin City, she has been active in Nollywood since 1996 and trained at the New York Film Academy. She has written and directed films such as The Figurine and Wives on Strike.
Femi Adebayo
Femi Adebayo is a Nigerian actor, filmmaker, director, and lawyer. The son of veteran actor Adebayo Salami, he has worked extensively in Yoruba-language and English-language Nollywood productions since the 1990s. He holds a law degree from the University of Ilorin and a master’s degree in law from the University of Ibadan.
Sani Mu’azu
Sani Mu’azu is a veteran Nigerian actor, director, and producer with extensive experience in both Kannywood and Nollywood. Born in Jos, Plateau State, he graduated in mass communication and started his career in the early period of Nigerian cinema. He has directed and produced projects that help connect different film sectors in the country.
Kachi Offiah
Kachi Offiah is a Nigerian media personality and television host. She presents the programme Trending on Arise News and has covered major international events as a producer and presenter. She holds a law degree from Baze University.
Ola Belgore
Ola Belgore is the Managing Director of Utica Capital Limited. He plays a key role in the advisory committee of the Utica Film Fund and brings investment management expertise to the evaluation of film projects. He oversees the integration of structured financial standards into the fund’s operations.
Submissions are open to filmmakers and support companies with proven track records. Interested parties must send pitch decks or detailed project proposals to [email protected] or through the dedicated portal at www.uticafilmfund.com. The fund itself is available only to qualified investors under SEC rules, with a minimum subscription of ₦10 million for individuals and ₦100 million for institutions.
Utica Capital, a Lagos-based firm with over four years of operation, manages the fund under full SEC oversight. The structure includes independent trustees, custodians, and legal support to meet institutional standards.
In Summary
The ₦20 billion Utica Film Fund has the potential to reshape Nigeria’s film industry by delivering the first large-scale institutional capital and structured investment standards to an sector that produces more than 1,500 titles each year. With guidance from its five-member advisory board of experienced professionals, the fund can support higher-quality productions, stronger distribution networks, and infrastructure upgrades that generate sustainable local and international revenue.
This approach is expected to create jobs across the entire value chain, attract further foreign investment, and increase the industry’s contribution to national GDP and foreign exchange earnings.
Thanks for Reading.
Shockng.com covers the big creators and players in the African film/TV industry and how they do business.
Let’s be friends on Instagram @Shockafrica
