British Council Unveils Second Cohort of Film Lab Africa in Nigeria

 The British Council has launched the second intake of Film Lab Africa, a film accelerator programme designed to support aspiring filmmakers, screenwriters and episodic storytellers throughout Nigeria.

The initiative, which was unveiled in Lagos on 5 May 2026, is being delivered in partnership with the EbonyLife Creative Academy and Iconic Steps.

First introduced in 2023, Film Lab Africa was established to provide intensive training, mentorship and production opportunities for young Nigerian filmmakers. The inaugural edition drew more than 600 applications, with 60 participants ultimately selected for training and project development.

Those in the first cohort took part in both virtual and face-to-face learning sessions, guided by industry professionals from Nigeria and the United Kingdom. Selected filmmakers also received grants to produce original short films, which were subsequently screened at film festivals and presented to key industry stakeholders.

According to the organisers, the second phase will broaden the programme’s scope by introducing a dedicated writers’ lab, alongside an increased focus on episodic storytelling and television pilot development.

The programme is aimed at emerging writers, producers and directors aged between 18 and 35. It offers training in episodic writing, script development support, physical writers’ residencies and production funding. Furthermore, industry showcase opportunities are provided to help connect participants with potential investors and distributors.

The British Council’s Country Director for Nigeria, Donna McGowan, stated that the initiative reflects the organisation’s commitment to strengthening the creative economies of both Nigeria and the UK.

“At the British Council, we are committed to strengthening the creative economies of both Nigeria and the UK by investing in talent, skills, and long-term partnerships,” she said.

McGowan added that the programme would link Nigerian creatives with UK expertise and global industry networks, whilst creating avenues for original African storytelling to reach international audiences.

The organisers confirmed that Film Lab Africa 2 will be accessible to creatives across all 36 states through virtual learning and regional partnerships. They also noted that measures have been put in place to ensure the inclusion of people with disabilities.

The initiative is expected to further bolster cultural collaboration between Nigeria and the United Kingdom, whilst creating sustainable opportunities for aspiring talent within the film and television industry.

The British Council, which has operated in Nigeria since 1943, stated that the programme is part of its broader commitment to supporting young creatives, expanding storytelling opportunities, and fostering cross-cultural partnerships.

British Council Nigeria described Film Lab Africa as a platform designed to help the next generation of storytellers develop their professional skills and compete on the global stage.

Established by media entrepreneur Mo Abudu, EbonyLife Limited is widely recognised for championing African storytelling through film, television, and media productions.

Meanwhile, the UK-based Iconic Steps, headed by filmmaker Victoria Ijeh-Allen, focuses on supporting under-represented talent through creative training and mentorship programmes.