Author: Kunle Adeniyi

At the 2021 edition of the Nigerian International Film and TV Summit, one of Africa’s most significant gatherings of cinema professionals, filmmaker Todimu Adegoke delivered a powerful address that underscored the need for equitable access, financial support and institutional trust for the country’s rising generation of storytellers.

Speaking during a high-profile panel titled “Next Generation Focus – The Industry, Opportunities and Exemptions”, Todimu Adegoke shared the stage with some of the most influential figures in the Nigerian film ecosystem and the international market. These included Joy Odiete, CEO of Blue Pictures Entertainment; Ben Flint, COO and co-founder of Vuulr; Moses Babatope, Group CEO of Nile Media Entertainment and Managing Director of FilmOne; Patrick Lee, Head of Operations at Viva Cinemas and former Chairman of the Cinema Exhibitors Association of Nigeria (CEAN); Ope Ajayi, CEO of Cinemax Distribution; and Michael Williams, General Manager of EbonyLife Place.

While acknowledging the significant strides made in recent years—particularly in areas such as training, field practice, talent discovery, and international partnerships—Adegoke pointed out that many young filmmakers continue to face systemic barriers that hinder the realization of their creative ambitions.

“We’ve seen unprecedented benefits from the industry in recent years,” he said, “but we must now focus on building access to funding, collaboration and distribution in a way that’s fair and transparent for new voices.”

Todimu emphasized the need for dedicated “pitch-for-fund” platforms that allow young creators to present their ideas and secure financial backing. He noted that while investors often support projects led by established filmmakers, a similar level of trust is rarely extended to emerging talents. “Collaboration isn’t just about who you know; it’s about who you believe in,” he said, calling on the industry to empower young filmmakers through angel investors, seed capital and shared risk-taking.

One of the key issues he raised was access to distribution—a cornerstone of commercial success in the film industry. Todimu Adegoke highlighted the gap in accessibility, pointing out that many TV projects receive funding and distribution commitments in their development stages, often from studios that remain unreachable to young creators. He urged these gatekeepers to actively support new voices in the same manner they do established names.

The filmmaker also stressed the importance of transparency and fairness in the business side of filmmaking. For many young creators, success hinges not just on the ability to make a film, but on entering into honest, equitable partnerships. “It’s not enough to create,” he said. “The young want to rise.”

His remarks struck a chord with attendees at the summit, which annually brings together stakeholders from all corners of the African and international film industries. By sharing the stage with industry leaders who have shaped distribution, exhibition and production across Nigeria and beyond, Adegoke’s call for inclusion carried both urgency and legitimacy.

As Nigeria’s film industry continues to gain global recognition and expand its commercial reach, Adegoke’s intervention served as a reminder that the next generation of filmmakers must not be an afterthought, but a priority. His message was clear: the future of Nollywood depends on how it nurtures its future voices.