Young filmmakers in Nigeria’s bourgeoning creative industry have been advised on steps and strategies to succeed. The mentoring which precedes the 12th edition of Africa Magic Viewers’ Choice Awards, AMVCA has become important to see the industry grow. Annual AMVCA will hold on May 9, in Lagos.
Uche Jombo, a Nollywood actress and filmmaker took the stage at a masterclass for the young filmmakers recently to list out some initial steps the young talents must follow in their journey to success.
“To start with, you must have a social media page”. According to her, the page is important to allow young filmmakers pin their monologue on their pages. She advised that when you do the monologue consistently, it becomes part of your curriculum vitae for marketing yourself.
Jombo who spoke on ‘audacious storytelling and attracting the right opportunities’ said that talent is good but work ethics, respect is also important. “ Our work is play but don’t play with your work, she advised.
Advising the young filmmakers to take their job seriously, as the jobs are competitive, she said one job performed well gets them another job. “You must be prepared for your role and treat it as serious as it demands”.
“Talent alone is not enough, your work ethic and how you present yourself will take you even further,” she said, urging actors to continuously develop their craft and maintain discipline”.
On attracting funding, she said investors would like to know your strength and your capability from your consistent monologue before investing in you.
MultiChoice Talent Factory graduate Orire Nwani followed with a session on fearless storytelling, encouraging creatives to take initiative and embrace boldness. He emphasised that opportunities often emerge when filmmakers consistently put their work out and surround themselves with the right creative community.
The conversation expanded to the role of technology during a panel session by Johnnie Walker, featuring Amarachukwu Onoh, Abiodun Odu, and Stan Nze. The discussion explored the impact of artificial intelligence in filmmaking, with panelists stressing that while AI can enhance creativity, a strong foundation in storytelling and filmmaking remains essential.
The AMVCA Young Filmmakers Day is a masterclass designed to equip emerging filmmakers with practical skills, industry insights, and creative confidence to navigate the evolving film and television landscape, with emphasis on storytelling, career development, technology, and opportunities within the creative economy.
Atinuke Babatunde, Executive Head of Content and Channels: West Africa, MultiChoice, a Canal+ company said AMVCA is committed to nurturing emerging talent. She noted that investment in young filmmakers remains central to the platform’s long-term vision for African cinema.
MTN, a sponsor of this year’s edition, also hosted a segment featuring a short film presentation and recognition of emerging creatives, with Digital Marketing Manager Ololade Odunsanya announcing the top five talents from MultiChoice Talent Factory. The winners include Precious Asuai (₦500,000), Fitz Williams Ochei (₦650,000), Jennifer Ugwueze (₦1 million), Anuymika Ayomide (₦1 million), and Alexander Oshiame, who emerged as the overall winner, receiving ₦1.5 million.
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