Jos “Film Village”
The Plateau State Government in Nigeria has finalized plans to establish a “National Film Village” in Jos, the capital and largest city in the state.
The price tag isn’t public information yet, but construction was set to officially launch with a ceremony featuring musician Wyclef Jean on December 28, 2023.
The initiative is aimed at serving as a creative hub for the nurturing and development of emerging talents from within the state and beyond.
Lagos “Film City”
In addition to the National Film Village in Plateau State, the Governor of Lagos State previously announced (in October 2023) the construction of a $100 million “African Film City Project,” in the city of Lagos.
In partnership with Del-York Int’l Group, the project is envisioned as a comprehensive destination for filmmaking and other creative sectors, promising state-of-the-art facilities and infrastructure.
It was set to commence construction in the weeks following the Oct announcement. Expected completion date has not been specified.
Pathways to Nollywood’s Growth?
Both projects aim to develop the Nigerian film industry, supporting local talent, and boosting economic growth. However, they differ in scale, specific location, and their proposed impact.
The specifics of each:
The success of both new projects will depend on effective implementation from the government and private sectors, sustained funding, and overcoming historical challenges.
Idris Elba’s Plans
Worth noting that Idris Elba, also in 2023, announced plans to build multiple film studios across Africa, with the pilot project starting in Ghana.
Elba’s vision is to address the lack of infrastructure currently hindering film industries across Africa.
All these initiatives reflect a broader, emerging trend across the African continent, aimed at boosting local film production, enhancing infrastructure, and attracting international interest and investment.
These developments will be monitored throughout 2024.
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