Naz Onuzo, co-founder of Inkblot Productions, recently returned from the Cannes Film Festival with a renewed sense of purpose and a clear message: Nigerian stories belong on the global stage.
“Cannes was fine,” he says with a characteristic understatement. But beneath that simplicity is something deeper, a pride in what Nigerian filmmakers are achieving and where the industry is headed. “One of the things that we all want to do is to continue to tell Nigerian stories on the biggest stage possible. A lot of the people who were at Cannes are people pushing the Nigerian narrative forward in every way they can, and that in itself is inspiring.”
Despite the challenges that exist within the local film industry, from funding limitations to distribution hurdles, Onuzo is optimistic. “We believe that our stories have to be told. And we’re not giving up to ensure that is the case.”
This year, Nigeria didn’t just show up at Cannes; it showed out. “Everybody was there,” he says. “We really had a stage.” That presence wasn’t just symbolic; it was strategic. Nigerian film ‘My Father’s Shadow’ became the first to screen and win an award at the festival, signalling a shift in how global audiences engage with African cinema.
And it’s not just about visibility. Onuzo points to several major developments that suggest long-term growth: the launch of the Africa-focused FEDA Fund, Nigeria’s I-DICE initiative, and the CREA fund. These funding initiatives, he explains, are key to unlocking more investment in African creativity. “There’s a lot of attention in the creative space and that attention will lead to more investment and more opportunities.”
These shifts come shortly after Onuzo’s company, Inkblot Productions, received investment from TLG Capital, a move that reflects rising investor confidence in Nollywood’s potential. So, is this a sign that more high-concept, big-budget films are on the way, perhaps even the rumoured Billionaires Club?
Not just yet. “We haven’t announced any new films,” he says. “The only film we currently have to discuss is ‘A Lagos Love Story’, currently streaming in Africa on Netflix and globally on Prime. It’s been out for about two months, and if you haven’t seen it, please do. It’s an enjoyable film.” Still, Onuzo hints that new projects are in the pipeline. “Stay tuned,” he says with a smile.
Onuzo may not be ready to announce his next big project, but one thing is clear: whether it’s investment, storytelling, or celebration, he’s part of a wave pushing Nigerian cinema forward, and the world is paying attention.
