In a significant push to build a more structured and globally competitive film industry, the Directors' Guild of Nigeria (DGN) has launched a transformative initiative: the DGN Academy, Studios, and Television. This landmark project, unveiled on Wednesday, November 12, at the Guild's national office in Surulere, Lagos, aims to redefine the future of filmmaking in Nigeria.
A New Creative Philosophy for Nollywood
DGN President, Uche Agbo, speaking at the launch ceremony, emphasized that this move goes beyond mere infrastructure. He described it as the manifestation of a new creative philosophy focused on structure, sustainability, and legacy. "With DGN Academy, we are institutionalising knowledge transfer and preparing a new generation of filmmakers who understand both art and governance of the craft," Agbo stated. "And with DGN Studios/TV, we are creating a digital window through which the world can experience our stories, our directors, and our evolving creative identity."
Bridging the Gap Between Passion and Profession
As the official training arm of the DGN, the DGN Academy is designed to bridge the critical gap between raw passion and professional expertise in Nigerian filmmaking. The academy will offer specialised courses in key areas such as:
- Directing and storytelling
- Film business and governance
- Emerging technologies, including AI and digital cinematography
In a major step towards inclusivity, the Academy will also champion gender equality through its '25 Women in Directing' initiative. This program is set to train and mentor women filmmakers from all six of Nigeria's geopolitical zones.
Positioning for Global Competition
The launch of the DGN Academy, Studios, and Television signals a new era of innovation and collaboration within Nigeria's dynamic movie industry. This comprehensive initiative is strategically positioned to equip Nigerian directors and filmmakers with the tools and knowledge needed to compete more effectively on the international stage, ultimately reshaping the narrative and technical excellence of Nollywood.
