FIC Report (Edo State) – The Edo State Government has expressed commendation for its collaboration with Germany’s Filmakademie Ludwigsburg, aimed at strengthening the State’s Creative Community. This partnership is set to leverage Edo’s rich cultural Artifacts to unlock the potential of its burgeoning Film Industry, promising significant positive impacts.
During a visit to Benin City on Friday the Deputy Governor of Edo State, Hon. Dennis Idahosa, hosted representatives from the German Film Academy. In a statement released October 31st, 2025, by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr. Friday Aghedo, Idahosa praised the decision of Filmakademie to partner with Edo, emphasizing that the collaboration would facilitate the training of local filmmakers.
Representatives from Filmakademie, led by Director of Entertainment and Creative Economy at Edo Creative Hub, Amb. Solomon Okosun, confirmed that the partnership aligns with Governor Monday Okpebholo’s policy focus on the creative industry. Idahosa highlighted the Governor’s visionary leadership, noting his belief in the talents and potential of Edo’s youth.
The Deputy Governor explained that exposure to international filmmaking standards through interactions with German counterparts would elevate local film production and content creation. He noted that current training initiatives cover essential skills such as cinematography, film editing, production, and directing, which would enable participants to craft compelling stories that showcase Edo’s rich arts and cultural heritage.
Idahosa also acknowledged the efforts of the finalists who would soon travel to Germany after a rigorous three-week workshop, encouraging them to hone their skills and serve as ambassadors for Edo’s creative talents. He urged the beneficiaries to take their training seriously and use their acquired knowledge to uplift their peers, thereby raising the standard of Edo’s film industry to international levels.
Furthermore, the Deputy Governor expressed appreciation for the Edo Creative Hub’s collaboration with the German academy, which has helped expose talented youths from Edo’s three senatorial zones to global opportunities. He assured that the government would continue to support the growth of the entertainment sector through partnerships like this.
He also reassured investors that Edo remains a safe and welcoming environment for investment in the entertainment industry.
On his part, the Director of the Edo Creative Hub noted that the partnership with Filmakademie Ludwigsburg was instrumental in preparing trainees for upcoming events such as the AFRIFF/Nollywood Film Workshop. The top two participants from the workshop will be sponsored for further studies in Germany.
Following the three-week training in Benin, participants will proceed to Lagos for the AFRIFF Film Festival, where they will showcase their skills in documentary filmmaking and operate advanced equipment like the ARRI ALEXA 35 camera.
Abel Alechenu, Project Manager for the Nollywood Workshop and an alumnus of Filmakademie, shared that over the past two years, Edo indigenes who trained at the academy have returned to share their knowledge with others. He emphasized that the current focus is on promoting Edo’s cultural heritage, citing visits to the National Museum and Igun Street as part of the program’s efforts to connect local artifacts with filmmakers.
This partnership marks a significant step toward nurturing Edo’s creative talents and integrating local culture into the Global Film Industry.
Signed
Egwaoje Amarachi Linda
ACI&PRO
FIC Benin.
October 31st, 2025
