India-Nigeria deepen cultural ties through film collaboration

The High Commission of India in Abuja, in partnership with the Kaduna International Film Festival, hosted a special short film screening and panel discussion on Tuesday evening to celebrate the strengthening cultural and cinematic ties between India and Nigeria.

The event, held at the High Commission’s Chancery, attracted members of the diplomatic community, including Heads of Mission, Nollywood professionals, cultural enthusiasts, influencers, and friends of India.

According to a statement issued by the Indian High Commission on Wednesday, the gathering served as a platform to promote deeper collaboration between the film industries of both countries and to showcase the growing exchange of creative ideas through cinema.

The Indian High Commissioner to Nigeria, Ambassador Abhishek Singh, noted the strong cultural bonds shared between the two nations, particularly through the media.

“Bollywood produces around 2000 films annually, spanning across various genres and languages. Nigeria’s film industry, referred to as Nollywood, is the second-largest film industry in the world by volume, after Bollywood,” he said.

Ambassador Singh highlighted the growing Indian community in Nigeria, estimated at over 50,000 people.

“The Indian community, estimated at over 50,000, is a mix from all across India. The High Commission, in coordination with Indian Cultural Associations, organised film festivals in different cities last year,” he explained.

The envoy announced a new cultural initiative to celebrate cinematic exchange.

“I am happy to announce that HCI will soon launch our signature event, which will be called ‘Bollywood and Yamarita’. My team will organise screening of a Bollywood blockbuster along with serving of Yamarita,” he said.

During the evening, two short films were screened — the Indian production ‘Good Morning’ and the Nigerian film ‘Not So Long a Letter’. The screenings were followed by an engaging panel discussion on the theme ‘Celebration of Our Rich Cultural Heritage and the Need for Collaboration’.

Panellists included journalist Swat Duniah-Adalumo (moderator), filmmaker Dr Ahmed Sarari, actor and filmmaker Francis Duru, and actress and filmmaker Stephnora Okere.

According to the embassy, the discussion explored how cinema can deepen mutual understanding, promote cross-cultural narratives, and foster creative partnerships between the Indian and Nigerian film industries.

Amb. Singh also reflected on recent developments strengthening bilateral cultural cooperation.

“During the State visit of Prime Minister Modi in November 2024 to Nigeria, India and Nigeria signed a Programme of Culture Cooperation and Exchanges for 2024–29, which would provide further thrust to our cultural exchanges and robust people-to-people connect.

“An MoU on Film Co-production is under consideration of both countries,” he noted.

He further highlighted the contribution of Indo-Nigerian filmmakers such as Mrs Hamisha Daryani, whose feature film ‘Namaste Wahala’ debuted on Netflix in 2022. Her six-episode series named ‘Postcards’ premiered on May 1, 2024, in Lagos, he added.

Speaking about India’s upcoming cinematic events, the envoy said, “India is organising the International Film Festival of India in Goa from 22–28 November 2025 to provide a single platform for ambitious filmmakers, movie enthusiasts, and industry professionals to have access to excellent cinema from across the world.

“Its International Cinema section is an assortment of culturally and aesthetically remarkable films from around the world.”

India and Nigeria established diplomatic relations in 1960, the year of Nigeria’s independence, and have since maintained strong political, economic, and cultural partnerships.

Bollywood films have been popular in Nigeria since the 1970s, particularly in the north, while Nollywood has grown into one of the world’s leading film industries by output. Recent collaborations, such as the 2021 Indo-Nigerian film ‘Namaste Wahala’ and cultural programmes organised by the Indian High Commission, have further deepened cinematic and cultural exchanges.