Nollywood, Africa’s largest film industry, is now a growing commercial partner for Hollywood, and the United States Consulate General in Lagos has honored eight Nigerian creative leaders who have strengthened that connection. Many of the honorees are alumni of U.S. government exchange programs.
Held under the theme “Reel Connections from Hollywood to Nollywood,” the event brought together figures from Nigeria’s film and television industries, senior government officials, creative industry ecosystem supporters, and alumni of U.S. government exchange programs.
Streaming platforms and exchange networks#
Consul General Brandon Hudspeth said Nollywood is a growing source of content, talent, and investment opportunities for U.S. companies looking to engage with African markets. He said Nigerian stories and talent are reaching audiences in the United States and globally through U.S. streaming services and digital platforms, including Netflix, Amazon Prime, Apple TV+ and YouTube, among others, creating new opportunities for collaboration, investment, and market access.
U.S. government exchange programs have had a lasting impact in building professional networks and strengthening collaboration between Nigerian and American creative communities. Through programs including the American Film Showcase, Global Media Makers, and the International Visitor Leadership Program (IVLP), Nigerian creative professionals have connected with American filmmakers, producers, institutions, and other industry leaders, building relationships that extend beyond the exchange programs.
Consul General Hudspeth said:
“U.S. government exchange programs are not simply about what happens during the exchange. Their real impact is what happens when participants return home: the relationships they bring with them, the ideas they put into action, the creative collaborations they build, and the next generation they inspire.”
Posthumous award for Olu Jacobs#
The highlight of the evening was the presentation of a posthumous Creative Industry Legend Award to late veteran actor Olu Jacobs, whose career spanned more than five decades and moved from Nigerian stages and television screens to international cinema, including roles in notable Hollywood films. His sons received the award on behalf of the family.
While presenting the award, Consul General Brandon Hudspeth described Jacobs as one of Nigeria’s most celebrated actors, saying his career helped define Nigerian cinema and lay the foundation for reel connections between the film and television industries in Nigeria and the United States.
“Olu Jacobs’ life embodied the kind of creative exchange that continues to connect Nigeria’s film industry with the United States and the world,” Consul General Hudspeth said.
Honorees#
The evening’s honorees included:
- Chioma Ude, Founder and Executive Director of the Africa International Film Festival (AFRIFF)
- Richard Mofe-Damijo, celebrated actor and International Visitor Leadership Program (IVLP) alumnus
- Kunle Afolayan and Bolanle Austen-Peters, award-winning filmmakers and alumni of the American Film Showcase’s African Film and TV Leadership Initiative
- Zulu Oyibo, Co-Founder of Inkblot Productions and IVLP alumnus
- Josh Olaoluwa, award-winning producer and Global Media Makers alumnus
- Uzoma Dunkwu, Emmy award-winning visual development artist
