Lagos, the commercial and entertainment capital of Nigeria, is set to become the home of Africa’s first film city. The Lagos Film City, a $100 million project, will be a one-stop destination for film production, post-production, visual effects, and all the ancillary services that support the film-making process.
The project, which is being executed on a public-private partnership model, was officially launched on Wednesday, October 18, 2023, by the Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu, at Ketu-Ejirin in Epe area of the state1.
The governor said that the film city will create numerous job opportunities, stimulate economic growth, and attract investments to the state. He also said that the film city will serve as a catalyst for innovation, talent discovery, and storytelling excellence.
The film city will cover a land area of 100 hectares and will be equipped with state-of-the-art facilities, sound stages, editing suites, production offices, and everything necessary to bring the magic of the silver screen to life. The film city will also feature a creative hub that will nurture the arts and support the dreams of aspiring filmmakers, actors, and technicians.
The commissioner for tourism, arts and culture, Mrs Toke Benson-Awoyinka, said that the Lagos Film City will be the biggest in Africa both in content, acting, training, cinematography and creativity. She urged investors to partner with the state government on this initiative.
The project is being undertaken by Del-York International, a leading media and entertainment company in Africa. The founder and CEO of Del-York International, Mr. Linus Idahosa, said that the Lagos Film City will be a game-changer for the African film industry. He said that the film city will showcase the rich cultural heritage of Lagos State, tell stories that reflect the shared experiences of Nigerians and Africans, and amplify the voices of diverse communities.
The Lagos Film City is expected to be completed in 2025 and will make Lagos State a force to reckon with in the global entertainment industry. The film city will also boost the profile of Nollywood, Nigeria’s film industry, which is already one of the largest in the world in terms of output and revenue.
The groundbreaking ceremony of the Lagos Film City was attended by dignitaries from the state government, traditional rulers, stakeholders from the film industry, and members of the international community. The ceremony was also graced by performances from some of Nigeria’s top artists such as Davido, Tiwa Savage, Burna Boy, Wizkid, and others.
The Lagos Film City is a dream come true for Nollywood and a testament to the commitment of the Lagos State government to nurturing the arts and supporting the creative sector. The film city will be a place where stories are made and dreams are realized.
