Lagos State is set to embark on the construction of the proposed $100 million African Film City project in Epe, with the groundbreaking ceremony scheduled to take place before the end of October, according to Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu.

He made this announcement during a news conference regarding the 12th African International Film Festival at the Lagos House in Marina.

The ambitious project aims to boost original content creation within Nollywood, Nigeria’s film industry.

The Memorandum of Understanding for the project’s construction was signed by the Lagos State government and the Del-York Group in October 2022.

Governor Sanwo-Olu revealed that the state government would double its capacity-building support for emerging talents in the film industry.

This increased support will enable them to enhance their skills in modern filmmaking. Grants for filmmakers will also be raised, allowing them to operate more effectively.

“We have great plans underway. First, we will be doing the groundbreaking for the African Film City before the end of this month. The film city will occupy 100 hectares of land in Epe, and it is massive,” Sanwo-Olu stated.

He further added, “We are hoping that the first set of studios will be ready within 24 to 30 months after the groundbreaking. I have been to a few studios in the United States of America, like Prime Studio, Sugarland, and more; they are excited and promised to come down here.”

Governor Sanwo-Olu emphasized the importance of promoting “Africanized” content that can change the socio-cultural narrative of the continent.

He encouraged practitioners to harness their creative ingenuity to tell African stories authentically, believing that this would signify Nigeria’s readiness to showcase its unique history to the world.