BENIN CITY – In a major step to expand the creative economy and nurture youth innovation, the Edo State Government has partnered with the German Film Academy to enhance the skills of young filmmakers and position them for global competitiveness.

The collaboration aims to empower local filmmakers with advanced techniques and industry tools, driving innovation and sustainable growth within Edo’s burgeoning creative sector.

During a meeting with officials of the German Film Academy at the Government House, Benin City, the Coordinator, Office of the First Lady, Mrs. Edesili Okpebholo Anani, expressed delight over the partnership, describing Edo as a state open to foreign investment, particularly in the creative industry.

“I am excited that we are having this exchange programme. Edo State is open to all forms of investment. The creative industry, in particular, remains largely untapped, presenting a significant opportunity for growth and development,” she said.

“We are grateful for your partnership and invite you to explore more collaborations with us. We also encourage you to learn from our unique cultural context, as Africa and Nigeria are blessed with immense creative potential.”

Mrs. Anani also highlighted Edo’s deep-rooted cultural heritage, referencing the global return of Benin artifacts as a testament to the State’s enduring artistic legacy.

“Our people are known for their intelligence, industriousness, and creativity. We are proud of our heritage, which underscores our connection to art and innovation dating back centuries,” she added.

She further encouraged the visiting delegation to explore Igun Street, home of the famous Benin bronze casters, and experience the State’s cultural vibrancy firsthand.

Earlier, the Edo State Director of Entertainment and Creative Economy, Ambassador Solomon Okosun, explained that the collaboration includes a film workshop in Benin City featuring six students from the German Film Academy and 12 indigenous filmmakers.

He noted that the programme will comprise three weeks of intensive training in Benin City and one week at the Nollywood Film Festival in Lagos, with the top two participants advancing to Germany for further training.

“This exchange will expose Edo’s young creatives to advanced filmmaking equipment and international production standards,” Okosun said.

Also speaking, Mr. Abel Alechenu, Project Manager for the Nollywood Workshop 2025 from the Filmakademie Ludwigsburg, described the initiative as part of a three-year partnership between Edo State and the German Film Academy, launched in 2023.

He added that the project, supported by the German Development Agency (GIZ), emphasizes knowledge sharing, cultural exchange, and the use of cutting-edge filmmaking technology, including ARRI cameras.