Abuja, Nigeria — The iKON Awards successfully hosted the first-ever iKON Activate in Abuja, Nigeria, on 27th September 2025 at Ebony Life Cinema.

iKON Activate—a prelude to the annual iKON Awards—brought together leading Nigerian filmmakers, industry associations, and partners for an engaging exchange of ideas, experiences, and opportunities aimed at fostering collaboration between the Nigerian and Ugandan film industries.

Nigeria’s film regulator pledged its support to the Ugandan sector, encouraging partnerships that would enhance African films’ competitiveness on global platforms.

Dr. Shaibu Husseini, Director General of the National Film and Video Censors Board, emphasized:

RELATED ARTICLES

“We believe initiatives like this are crucial for the growth of the film industry in Africa. The Board is committed to supporting programs that advance the sector and create opportunities for filmmakers across the continent.”

Sharing insights from Nigeria’s cinema growth, Patrick Lee highlighted the importance of associations:

“In Nigeria, anyone who wants to open a cinema goes through the Cinema Exhibitors Association. We also provide financing leads, making it easier to access loans. Over time, government has recognized the industry and is now a major financier. Associations like ours sustain the ecosystem.”

Joy Odiete, CEO of Blue Pictures Entertainment and President of FDAN, stressed cultural resonance and fair policies:

“We must localize content so that it connects with different audiences, but also move away from exclusivity agreements that limit African films. Collaboration is not begging—it is building mutually beneficial partnerships. If you lack funds, collaborate, network, and involve legal guidance. That’s how you scale faster.”

Mary Ephraim-Egbas also underlined FDAN’s role in guiding filmmakers to align their projects with different platforms and audiences.

The discussions reinforced a shared vision: that collaboration—not competition—is the way forward for Africa’s film industry.

Uche Agbo, President of the Directors’ Guild of Nigeria, added:

“We must see ourselves not just as Nigerian, Ugandan, or Kenyan filmmakers, but as African storytellers. Collaboration is the bridge that will carry us to global recognition.”

From Uganda, Mathew Nabwiso, President of the National Producers Guild of Uganda, shared a personal testimony:

“When my wife and I decided to produce our family drama series Hashtag Family, we sold 200 goats and invested everything into a 13-episode production. The project gained support and attracted interest from major West African distributors, but despite selling the series, I did not receive any financial returns—not even $50.”

His story highlighted the structural challenges Ugandan filmmakers face in distribution, underscoring the urgency of stronger African collaboration.

The maiden iKON Activate in Abuja set the tone for deeper Uganda–Nigeria film partnerships. It revealed the power of storytelling, resilience, and unity in shaping Africa’s cinematic future.

Beyond dialogue, the iKON Awards has already signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with legendary Ugandan actor Michael Wawuyo Sr., who will feature in the Nigerian drama film Dambe. The production is powered by Ramsey Films, Sozo Films Limited, BRS Studios, and Sauti Plus Media Hub.

Renowned Nollywood star Ramsey Nouah will direct the film, cementing the high-profile collaboration.