To deepen cultural and economic ties, Nigeria and Brazil have embarked on a landmark creative industry exchange, with a high-level Brazilian delegation visiting Lagos. According to a statement, the initiative, spearheaded by the Office of the Vice President of Nigeria in partnership with Filmhouse Group, aims to strengthen bilateral relations through collaboration in film, music, and the arts.
The Brazilian delegation, composed of senior policymakers and prominent figures from their cultural and entertainment sectors, engaged with key Nigerian stakeholders to explore avenues for cooperation. A central focus of this mission was the shared Yoruba cultural heritage, highlighting the deep historical and ancestral connections between the two nations.
During their visit, hosted and sponsored by Filmhouse Group, the Brazilian representatives immersed themselves in various cultural experiences. These included tours of Filmhouse Cinemas – IMAX, Lekki, recognized as West Africa’s largest cinema exhibitors, the Oba of Oniru’s Palace, the John Randle Centre for Yoruba Culture and History, Terra Kulture, and the Lekki Arts and Crafts Market.
Kene Okwuosa, Group CEO of Filmhouse Group (encompassing Filmhouse Cinemas, FilmOne Entertainment, and FilmOne Studios), emphasised the transformative potential of this exchange. “This visit is more than symbolic, it’s a catalyst,” stated Okwuosa, adding, “Nigeria and Brazil are cultural siblings with shared roots and creative energies. At The Filmhouse Group, we believe storytelling is a bridge – one that can unite nations, spark economic growth, and shift global perceptions. We are committed to building enduring partnerships that elevate African stories and open doors for co-production, distribution, and investments across the Atlantic.”
At the reception held at Filmhouse Cinemas IMAX, Lekki, the Brazilian delegates received a comprehensive overview of Nigeria’s rapidly expanding entertainment sector, noting its significant box office growth, emerging studios, and potential for international partnerships. Okwuosa further reiterated Filmhouse Group’s commitment to fostering economic inclusion through the creative economy, stating, “We are prepared to lead the charge in global partnerships that unlock the immense potential of Africa’s creative economy.”
Adding a personal dimension to the dialogue, George Maha, Institutional and Government Relations Specialist at ApexBrasil, reflected, “I am Nigerian. I was born here in Lagos. But beyond the diaspora community, there is Brazil, and there are Afro-Brazilians. That connection matters. It’s time we embraced it more deliberately.”
Rachel Maia, CEO of RM Cia 360, expressed her eagerness for future collaborations, noting the quality present in both Nigerian and Brazilian creative industries.
The Brazilian delegation, including officials from Brazil’s Ministry of Culture, lauded Nigeria’s vibrant culture and pledged their commitment to long-term partnerships in content creation, talent exchange, and investment. This initiative signifies a new era in Nigeria-Brazil relations, poised to foster impactful collaborations and position Lagos as a globally influential creative hub.
