By Esther Sangodele
The American Corner, Ibadan, has trained 92 aspiring filmmakers, storytellers, students and creative enthusiasts in practical filmmaking skills to boost Nigeria’s creative economy and prepare young talents for opportunities in the global film industry.
The three-day workshop, themed “From Local Stories to Global Screens: American Innovation and the Future of Nigerian Filmmaking,” attracted participants from Oyo State and other parts of the country for intensive hands-on training across the entire filmmaking value chain.
Speaking at the opening, the Director of American Corner Ibadan, Miss Karamat Ajala, reaffirmed the organisation’s commitment to empowering young Nigerians through practical learning, innovation and access to opportunities that strengthen the country’s creative ecosystem.
According to her, investing in young creatives through skills acquisition and industry exposure will help position Nigeria’s film industry for greater global relevance.
Participants also benefited from a masterclass delivered by renowned Nollywood actor Hafiz Oyetoro, who encouraged emerging filmmakers to remain committed to telling authentic Nigerian stories capable of resonating with audiences worldwide.
Oyetoro said local stories, when professionally produced, possess universal appeal and can unlock international opportunities for Nigerian filmmakers.
The workshop featured practical sessions facilitated by actor and filmmaker Kemi Owadara and the Founder and Creative Lead of Calidad Studios and Calidad Film School, Njoku Samuel.
The facilitators trained participants in screenplay development, pre-production planning, directing, cinematography, film production, editing and post-production, while exposing them to modern filmmaking techniques and industry best practices.
Working in groups, participants developed scripts, shot and edited short films under the guidance of the facilitators, giving them the opportunity to apply the knowledge acquired during the training.
The programme climaxed with the screening of the participants’ films, followed by professional critiques, audience feedback and interactive discussions aimed at strengthening their storytelling and technical skills.
Outstanding teams received filmmaking scholarships sponsored by Calidad Film School, while other participants interested in advancing their careers were offered tuition discounts for future professional training.
Certificates of Attendance were presented to all participants in recognition of their successful completion of the workshop, while the facilitators received Awards of Appreciation for their contributions to mentoring the young creatives.
The organisers said the initiative underscores American Corner Ibadan’s commitment to nurturing the next generation of Nigerian filmmakers through skills development, collaboration and industry exposure.
They added that equipping young people with practical filmmaking and storytelling skills will enhance their employability, create more opportunities within the creative industry and contribute significantly to the growth and global competitiveness of Nigeria’s film sector.
