Showbiz
AFRIFF 2018: Mildred Okwo, Others Grace Accelerate Filmmaker Project
By Modupe Gbadeyanka
Some notable names in the Nigerian movie industry on Monday, November 12, 2018 attended the second edition of the Accelerate Filmmaker Project.
The programme was made possible as a result of the partnership between Access Bank and Africa International Film Festival (AFRIFF).
Present at the event were Nollywood veterans like Mildred Okwo, Niyi Akinmolayan, Victor Sanchez Aghahowa, Gloria Young and a host of others.
During the Accelerate Filmmaker Project, six short films created by seven finalists from the competition in conjunction with AFRIFF were premiered at the Genesis Cinemas in Lekki, Lagos State.
The finalists got the chance with industry elites in an interactive question and answer session during the screening, bringing about the depths to which the films were shot.
Finalists, whose films made it to the big screen include Chidinma Igbokweuche, who directed MMACHI; Ozioma Ogbaji, who produced STUCK; Samuel Olanrewaju – THE WALL; Bola Akanbi – THORN; Charles Obi Emere – WRONG CON and WALLFLOWER co-produced by Joel Adegboye and Seun Richards. The winner, who will be awarded an AFRIFF film-making scholarship to France, would be announced at the AFRIFF award ceremony on Saturday, November 17, 2018.
Speaking at the event, Head of Accelerate TV, Colette Otusheso, appreciated everyone who graced the event including mentors and the Accelerate team, whose collaborative efforts led to the celebration of a huge success.
On the short films, she said “These films are testimonies to the potential achievement metrics when a pool of people with a common goal come together to achieve greatness. The underlying foundation is the power of collaboration – a gift that is necessary to guarantee success in film-making”.
Project Manager of Accelerate Filmmaker Project, Bolanle Olosunde-Jenrola, who also anchored the event, talked about the experience so far and the growing challenges in paving the way forward for the next generation of filmmakers in the industry.
She also facilitated the interactive session between the young filmmakers and the audience after the screening of each film.
The Accelerate Filmmaker Project is a mechanism of Accelerate TV to give young people the chance to achieve their film-making dreams.
Over 700 applications came in when the project kick started back in March 2018 with the call for short films centred on the theme ‘Friendship’. From the entries, 50 candidates were longlisted, while 20 made the final cut and were engaged in a week long intense film-making training and mentorship programme under the tutelage of professionals in the Nigerian filmmaking industry, including Joke Silva, Seyi Babatope, Mildred Okwo, Lala Akindoju, Victor Sanchez Aghahowa, Lawrence Adejumo, Daniel Oriahi, Niyi Akinmolayan, Bibi Shasore, Ifeoma Chukwuogo, Bose Oshin, Uduak Oguamanam, Kunle Adejuyigbe, Bobo Omotayo, Feyisayo Ogundipe and Tolu Ajayi.
Eventually, all twenty pitched their film ideas to a panel of judges and seven finalists emerged to make their short films with Accelerate TV. All finalists were in charge of the directing and the production of their short films with the Accelerate crew and their films premiered on the Accelerate Day at AFRIFF 2017.
The films will be aired in a series called ‘The Social Experiment Series’ on the Accelerate TV platform and Youtube channel later this month.
Winner Achimugu, the MultiChoice Talent Factory (MTF) Best Graduating Student 2024, has embarked on a six-week scholarship at the prestigious New York Film Academy (NYFA). This achievement not only celebrates her exceptional talent and dedication but also reinforces MTF’s commitment to nurturing world-class African filmmakers ready to make their mark on the global stage.
Since its inception, MTF has been more than just a training ground; it’s a launchpad for African storytellers. Alumni from the academy have consistently demonstrated excellence, with films and projects winning awards, receiving grants, and gaining international recognition. Notable projects include 2070, which clinched Best Short Film at the African SDGs Film Festival, and Isekonu, a Zee World short film, officially selected for the Lagos Fringe Festival 2025 and nominated for Best Student Film at the Bayelsa International Film Festival.
These achievements reflect MTF’s ethos of equipping young filmmakers with both the technical skills and creative vision necessary to succeed, both locally and internationally.
The 2024 Best Graduating Student, Winner Achimugu, distinguished herself among her peers with a combination of talent, dedication, and storytelling finesse. Her selection for the NYFA scholarship is a testament to her hard work and to the quality of mentorship and training at MTF.
Through this program, she will engage in intensive workshops, hands-on training, and industry exposure that promise to elevate her craft. The scholarship is not just an award, it is a bridge connecting African storytelling to global cinematic opportunities, embodying MTF’s brand promise of fostering talent that transcends borders.
This scholarship opens new avenues for growth, offering exposure to international techniques, networks, and collaborative experiences that could define the trajectory of her career. For MTF, it’s a validation of its mission: cultivating a generation of filmmakers whose creativity, vision, and impact will resonate far beyond Africa.
As this journey unfolds, it reinforces the message that African cinema is on the rise, powered by storytellers who are ready to take their place on the world stage. With MTF alumni leading the way, the future of African filmmaking looks brighter than ever.
By Modupe Gbadeyanka
A 12-hour non-stop entertainment event offering various performances and activities all night long will take place in Lagos from the evening of December 21 into the early hours of December 22, 2025.
This programme known as InsomniaQ, is being put together by one of Africa’s leading digital payments platforms, Quickteller.
Quickteller is a brand powered by the Interswitch Group, and InsomniaQ was created to celebrate African creativity.
The all-night music and entertainment experience will hold at the Ballroom of the Lagos Continental Hotel, Victoria Island.
It is designed to capture the vibrancy and cultural energy that define Lagos in December. InsomniaQ is positioned to become Africa’s newest must-attend December destination.
The concert blends diverse African soundscapes, creative expression, and immersive lifestyle experiences, offering a night curated for music lovers, diaspora returnees, cultural enthusiasts, and everyone drawn to the city’s festive season.
More than a concert, InsomniaQ represents a new cultural moment, one that celebrates the richness, depth, and diversity of African talent. With a lineup cutting across contemporary and alternative genres, the festival aims to introduce a bold, fresh, and unforgettable experience within Lagos’ already vibrant entertainment landscape.
“InsomniaQ is an invitation to celebrate African creativity in a way that feels bold, fresh, and true to who we are.
“Quickteller has always been an essential part of the experiences people value, and this festival brings that connection to life in an entirely new dimension.
“As Lagos welcomes friends, family, and visitors from around the world each December, we are proud to introduce a platform that showcases our music, our culture, and the vibrant energy that defines this season,” the Divisional Head of Growth Marketing for Quickteller Ecosystem at Interswitch, Mr Olawale Akanbi, noted.
Through Quickteller, Interswitch continues to champion initiatives that go beyond digital transactions to enrich the everyday life of millions of Nigerians.
InsomniaQ extends this mission by empowering cultural expression, unlocking creative opportunities, and supporting the continent’s growing entertainment ecosystem.
By Modupe Gbadeyanka
The quartet of Oyindamola Timothy (Fashion), Steve Adeyemo (Tech), Uche Kalu (Dance), and Emmanuel Elijah (Music) emerged the category winners of the Stanbic IBTC FUZE Talent Show 4.0.
They received N10 million each for their efforts, along with mentorship opportunities, industry exposure, and support to advance their creative journeys.
The four were chosen from the 12 finalists at an event aired on Sunday, December 14, 2025, on AIT (DStv Channel 253) at 7:00 pm, Africa Magic Showcase (DStv Channel 151) at 5:00 pm, and streamed live on the official Stanbic IBTC YouTube channel, connecting millions of viewers to the excitement and energy of the show.
The 2025 edition drew over 6,000 entries nationwide and continued to inspire a new wave of innovation among young Nigerians in fashion, technology, dance, and music. The participants fought for a share of the N90 million in prizes put up by the organisers.
This year, the FUZE Talent Show also introduced an exciting new twist: The Fan Favourite Feature, which allowed viewers across the country to vote for the contestant who most inspired them. This addition deepened audience participation and further strengthened FUZE’s mission to connect creativity with community support.
“FUZE 4.0 truly lived up to its promise as The Ultimate Show, a platform that celebrates courage, creativity, and innovation.
“Every contestant who graced that stage reminded us of the extraordinary potential of Nigerian youths.
“At Stanbic IBTC, we are proud to continue creating opportunities that help young people dream bigger, think bolder, and achieve more. It is all about home-grown talent for us as we power the made-in-Nigeria initiative,” the chief executive of Stanbic IBTC Holdings Plc, Mr Chuma Nwokocha, said.
As excitement builds for FUZE Festival coming up on Saturday, December 20, 2025, attendees can anticipate experiencing this year’s edition theme The Ultimate Show in full, with circus-style attractions, from magicians and parade performers to flash mobs and art displays.
An expanded marketplace, freebies from participating partners and on-site Stanbic IBTC services will enhance convenience, while performances by Wande Coal, Pheelz, Chike, and Ms DSF will add a nostalgic, high-energy finish. Interested attendees can register to attend via the Stanbic IBTC Events App or visit www.events.stanbicibtc.com to secure their spot.
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