The French Embassy in Nigeria has partnered with the Surreal 16 Collective to support Nigerian filmmakers with mentorship and the opportunity to showcase their work at the Clermont-Ferrand International Short Film Festival.
The four selected filmmakers will pitch their projects to international producers at the world’s largest event dedicated to short films.
“Clermont-Ferrand Short Film Festival offers several opportunities for African creators,” said Christophe Pecot, Audiovisual Attaché of the French Embassy in Nigeria.
“Notably through mentorship programs such as Talent Connexion and Road to Clermont. This initiative of the French Ministry of Europe and Foreign Affairs showcases African talent and facilitates meetings with industry professionals,” he explained.
“For the first time ever, there will be a Nigerian booth at Clermont-Ferrand Short Film Festival!” he added.
Yearly, this international event brings together thousands of professionals and audiences around a bold and innovative selection.
A true talent scout, the festival is an unmissable reference in international cinema. Its Short Film Market is the leading industry event for short films globally. It combines physical and digital components to address the industry needs, from production to promotion and distribution, in an open, inclusive, and responsible environment.
Nigerian short filmmakers will be attending this main marketplace for sales and licensing of short films with opportunities in the French, European, and international markets. Its ambitious industry programme fosters creativity, co-production, and the circulation of works.
The Nigerian delegates will present and promote their films and projects to over a hundred company representatives from all over the world, who will be present at forty stands throughout the market.
They will follow a tailor-made program of over a hundred professional meetings focusing on the challenges facing the sector and the keys to a better understanding of the short film industry. They will keep in touch with the editorial lines of TV buyers and with new broadcast trends and opportunities.
Also, they will meet and exchange ideas with professionals present throughout the week, with B2B sessions or happy hours.
Over four days, participants will network, share insights, and collaborate to elevate Nigerian stories on the global stage.
Abba Makama, co-founder of the S16 Collective, said, “It is an honour and pleasure to bring some of the bright young minds nurtured and supported by the S16 Collective to experience such a prestigious event.”
“Our goal has always been to position filmmakers on the international stage and to actively participate in the global conversation around cinema.”
“We are also spreading the gospel of a new type of cinema from Nigeria, one that places the filmmaker and their vision at the centre before anything else.”
He noted that short films are a vital format for aspiring filmmakers, often laying the blueprint for the work they will go on to make when they transition to feature films.
“We also extend our special thanks to the French Embassy for their continued support,” he added.
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