Lagos Film City: A $100 Million Vision Set to Revolutionize Nollywood

In a monumental move for Nigeria’s entertainment industry, Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has initiated the groundbreaking ceremony for the ambitious $100 million Lagos Film City project. Located on a sprawling 100-hectare land in the Ikosi-Ejinrin area of Epe Local Government, this venture is set to become a cornerstone for film production in the region.

The Film City, a Public-Private Partnership model, is not just an infrastructure project but a vision to boost the state’s economy. It promises to create a plethora of job opportunities, stimulate economic growth, and magnetize investments into the state. The project’s announcement was made public by the Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on New Media, Jubril Gawat, who took to Twitter to share the news on October 18, 2023.

Designed to be a comprehensive hub, the Film City will encompass various facets of filmmaking. From film production, visual effects, scripting, cinematography, to editing and photography, it aims to offer a holistic environment for all ancillary services that bolster the filmmaking process.

The project is not a solo endeavor. It is being brought to life in collaboration with prominent entities in the entertainment sector, including Ebonylife Academy, Delyork, and Ogidi Studios. This synergy aims to leverage the expertise and experience of these industry stalwarts to ensure the Film City’s success.

The Film City project aligns with Governor Sanwo-Olu’s THEMES Agenda, where the second ‘E’ emphasizes the importance of Entertainment and Tourism for the state’s development.

Historically, the idea of a Film City in Lagos was first hinted at by Governor Sanwo-Olu in March 2021. The state had already earmarked 100 hectares of land for this purpose, with preliminary strategies set in motion. Furthermore, in October 2022, the Lagos State government had entered into a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Del-York Group, laying the foundation for the African Film City project in Epe.

With the primary objective to enhance originality in content creation for Nollywood, Nigeria’s renowned film industry, the proposed African Film City project is a testament to the state’s commitment to fostering creativity and innovation in the entertainment sector.