Film Lab Africa Phase Two has officially moved into its production phase following a successful matchmaking event hosted by the British Council on 8 May 2026 at its Lagos office. The event marked a major milestone for the accelerator programme, bringing together selected writers, creative producers, mentors, and industry stakeholders ahead of the production of seven anthology pilot episodes.
Through a carefully curated matchmaking process, seven writers were paired with seven creative producers based on shared creative vision and project compatibility, enabling them to advance to the next stage of development. Delivered in partnership with EbonyLife Creative Academy and Iconic Steps UK, Film Lab Africa is a targeted accelerator for the film and television sector. It aims to strengthen Africa’s screen industries by equipping emerging creatives with the skills, networks, mentorship, and market access needed to build sustainable careers and creative enterprises.
Programme Structure
Film Lab Africa Phase Two is structured as an integrated development pipeline that guides participants through training, story development, collaboration, production, and industry access. It consists of three phases: the Writers Phase, the Filmmakers Phase, and the Residency Phase. The Writers Phase focused on episodic storytelling and script development, while the Filmmakers Phase equipped emerging producers and directors with practical production skills. The Residency Phase brought participants together in an immersive collaborative environment where projects were refined through mentorship, story consultations, peer exchange, and development sessions ahead of production.
Matchmaking Event Highlights
The matchmaking event featured project pitches, one-on-one meetings, and creative discussions that culminated in the formation of final writer-producer teams. British Council Country Director for Nigeria, Donna McGowan, attended alongside mentors, facilitators, and Film Lab Africa team members. Her presence underscored the British Council’s commitment to supporting Africa’s creative sectors through skills development, international collaboration, and long-term investment in emerging talent.
Next Steps
As the programme moves into filming, Film Lab Africa will engage established industry directors and practitioners to mentor participants throughout the filmmaking process, providing practical experience within professional production environments. The programme is also expanding its audience engagement activities across Nigeria. The next activation will take place in Abuja on 18 June 2026 with Creative Hustle Abuja and Film Club Abuja, bringing together filmmakers, industry professionals, audiences, and emerging creatives for conversations, screenings, and networking opportunities that strengthen connections within the screen sector.
The programme will culminate in the production of seven anthology pilot episodes, continuing Film Lab Africa’s mission to combine training, mentorship, production support, and industry access within one integrated platform for emerging African storytellers.
