The Story⚡
At the 2025 Cannes Film Festival, Nigeria and Chocolate City Group unveiled a transformative partnership to overhaul the National Film Institute (NFI) into a world-class film school and production hub.
Tell Me More
On May 21, 2025, at the prestigious Cannes Film Festival, the Nigerian government and Chocolate City Group signed an agreement to revolutionize the National Film Institute (NFI) in Jos, Nigeria. This partnership, a cornerstone of Nigeria’s ambitious “Destination 2030: Nigeria Everywhere” growth plan, aims to transform the NFI into a cutting-edge center for film education and production. The initiative aligns with Nigeria’s broader strategy to position its creative economy as a driver of cultural and economic progress.
The NFI, while instrumental in training hundreds of Nollywood professionals, has long been hampered by outdated infrastructure and limited production facilities. These constraints have restricted its ability to provide students with hands-on experience using modern filmmaking technologies, often forcing aspiring filmmakers to seek advanced training abroad. The new partnership addresses these challenges head-on by revamping the institute’s facilities, updating its curriculum, and forging international exchange programs with top global film schools.
Barr. Hannatu Musa Musawa, Nigeria’s Minister of Art, Culture, Tourism, and the Creative Economy, emphasized the urgency of this transformation. “Our filmmakers have immense talent, but we need infrastructure to nurture it locally,” she said. “This collaboration will equip the NFI to produce world-class professionals, keeping Nigeria’s creative talent at home while boosting our economy and global cultural presence.”
The partnership sets an ambitious target to train 10,000 students over the next decade, with at least 2,000 graduates securing direct employment in the film industry. Chocolate City Group, leveraging its extensive entertainment industry network, will secure sustainable funding and create job pathways, connecting NFI graduates to opportunities in Nigeria and beyond. Audu Maikori, Chairman of Chocolate City Group, underscored the significance of education in this venture: “Nigeria’s creative renaissance is underway. By reimagining film education, we’re preparing students to seize opportunities and tell Nigerian stories that resonate worldwide.”
The announcement comes at a high point for Nigerian cinema at Cannes, where Nigeria is celebrating its first official selection, My Father’s Shadow, and generating buzz with Osamede, a historical fantasy. Ali Nuhu, Managing Director of the Nigerian Film Corporation, highlighted the synergy between these achievements and the NFI partnership. “Films like My Father’s Shadow showcase what Nigerian visionaries can do,” he said. “With a revitalized NFI, we’ll empower thousands more to achieve similar success.”
The partnership also strengthens Nigeria’s “Screen Nigeria” initiative, which is showcasing the country’s cinematic potential at Cannes. By combining public-sector vision with private-sector expertise, the NFI transformation promises to bridge the gap between raw talent and professional opportunity, ensuring Nollywood’s continued rise on the global stage.
Key Background
In Summary
The partnership between Nigeria and Chocolate City Group to transform the National Film Institute marks a pivotal moment for Nollywood. By upgrading facilities, modernizing curricula, and fostering global connections, the initiative will produce thousands of skilled filmmakers equipped to compete internationally. This development will strengthen Nollywood’s infrastructure, reduce reliance on foreign training, and create sustainable job pathways, boosting Nigeria’s creative economy.
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 @Shockng
