The Nigerian International Film and TV Summit (NIFS) Lagos and the National Film Authority of Ghana have joined forces to launch an innovative pitch session dubbed “Pitch-to-Win.” This exciting initiative, announced Wednesday, according to a statement by NIFS Founder, Ijeoma Onah, aims to revitalise the longstanding ties between the Ghanaian and Nigerian film industries while fostering a new era of cross-cultural storytelling.
The Ghana-Nigeria B2B Co-productions Projects Pitch Session, scheduled as part of NIFS Lagos 2024, will provide a unique platform for talented filmmakers from both nations to showcase their collaborative projects to potential investors, streamers, and Pay TV channels. With Ghana named as the Country of Honour for this year’s summit, the stage is set for an unprecedented level of cooperation between these two cinematic powerhouses.
“This initiative represents a significant milestone in African filmmaking,” said Onah. “By bringing together the creative forces of Ghana and Nigeria, we’re not just producing films; we’re crafting stories that will resonate across borders and cultures.”
The pitch session has already garnered support from industry heavyweights, including Red TV, Filmone Distribution, Accelerate TV, Cinemax Distribution and Inkblot. These partnerships underscore the industry’s commitment to nurturing local talent and investing in original programming that speaks to both local and global audiences.
Eligibility for the pitch session requires teams to comprise both Ghanaian and Nigerian talent, with at least one producer or director from each country. The projects, which can range from scripted series to feature films in various genres, must demonstrate cross-cultural appeal and global potential.
“We’re looking for stories that are not only hyper-local and authentic to Ghana and Nigeria but also have the power to captivate audiences worldwide,” explained a spokesperson for the National Film Authority of Ghana. “This is about showcasing the best of African storytelling on a global stage.”
The initiative comes at a crucial time for the African film industry, which has seen rapid growth and increasing international recognition in recent years. By fostering collaboration between two of the continent’s largest film markets, “Pitch-to-Win” aims to accelerate this growth and create new opportunities for emerging talent.
As the August 14th deadline for pitch submissions approaches, anticipation is building within the filmmaking communities of both nations. The selected projects will have the opportunity to present their ideas to top executives from commissioning partners during closed-room sessions at the summit.
With its potential to spark a new wave of pan-African cinema, the Ghana-Nigeria B2B Co-productions Projects Pitch Session is poised to become a pivotal moment in the history of African filmmaking. As the continent’s storytellers unite to bring their visions to life, the world watches with eager anticipation for the next chapter in African cinema.
