Nollywood has been dealt another significant blow as it’s reported that Netflix has cancelled its Nigerian Originals, a move that is set to have far-reaching implications for the country’s film industry.

The cancellation of Nigerian Originals is a devastating setback for Nollywood, which has been working tirelessly to gain global recognition. The move is also a significant blow to the many Nigerian filmmakers who had pinned their hopes on Netflix to showcase their stories and talents to a global audience.

Listen to filmmaker Kunle Afolayan talk about his Netflix deals, their approach to content and their shocking move to cancel all Nigerian originals in development.

Netflix Executive David Karanja Exits, Citing Bright Future for African Storytelling..

David Karanja, Netflix’s Executive in Charge of Licensing Originals, has announced his departure from the streaming giant. In a heartfelt goodbye post on LinkedIn, Karanja expressed his optimism for the future of African cinema and television.

“While the world is beginning to recognize the power of African voices and stories told by Africans, I believe we are on the brink of a watershed moment for African cinema and television, similar to the leaps we’ve seen in music,” Karanja wrote.

Karanja’s exit comes at a time when Netflix is reassessing its content strategy in Africa. The departure of a key executive overseeing original content licensing in Africa may indicate a shift in the company’s priorities. However, Karanja’s positive outlook on the future of African storytelling suggests that the continent’s creative industry is poised for growth and increased global recognition.

David led Netflix Africa’s original content team from September 2021, overseeing the development and launch of over 35 series and films, including notable titles such as Ludik, Country Queen, Shanty Town, and Anikulapo.

He also secured key licensing agreements, bringing premium content such as Yizo Yizo and Shaka Zulu to the platform. As a key member of the team that pioneered Netflix’s African Originals strategy, David played a pivotal role in shaping the platform’s content offerings for the continent before departing the role close to 2 years later.

In Summary

With the streaming giant’s withdrawal from the Nigerian market, many are left wondering what the future holds for the country’s film industry.

The home of popular actress, Mercy Aigbe has been razed by fire and burnt down to ashes.

In a video she shared on her social media handle, she explained how devastated she is following the incident.

It is not known what caused the fire incident as there was no more information shared.

But according to her post, no life was lost in the fire incident…

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Tuesday, November 26, 2024, Dr Shaibu Husseini, the Executive Director of the National Film and Video Censors Board, NFVCB declared a two day interactive session and capacity building event open for youths and undergraduates from five various higher institutions of learning in Lagos Nigeria.

The participating youths were drawn from University of Lagos, UNILAG; Yaba College of Technology, YABATECH; Lagos State University, LASU; Trinity University; and the Lagos State University of Science and Technology, LASUSTECH.

The participating students, which were over 300, gathered at the Afe Babalola Hall situated inside the University of Lagos for the training sessions that were specially created to empower and build capacity in various aspects that include directing, cinematography, acting, screenwriting, costume design and art creative design.

The opening ceremony had the keynote remarks delivered by Julie McKay, Public Affairs Officer, US Consulate, Lagos.

In her remark, McKay stressed that people are paying more attention to African creatives – films and music – especially Nigeria.

Speaking directly to the university undergrads, she said, “Many people are paying more attention to African creatives – films and music – especially Nigeria. I believe the next OSCAR winner might come from this room here in Nigeria.”

“U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken said in September that “Accurate information is vital to the health of any democracy.  It helps citizens understand the issues and effects – and events that are affecting their lives.  It empowers them to engage meaningfully in their communities, their country, the world.  When state or non-state actors spread disinformation, material deliberately meant to deceive or divide our public, they attack the very foundations of our free and open society.”

“The United States and Nigeria share a common vision for a future where our citizens not only have access to reliable information but can also identify and stop the spread disinformation. The best tool we have in the fight against disinformation is media literacy.” –

Continuing, she said the U.S has a lot to learn from Nigerians, hence the decision to partner and exchange knowledge. She also reeled out some of the partnerships with Nigerian creatives including Kunle Afolayan Production Academy where the U.S brought in experts for masterclasses to train next sets of filmmakers.

McKay also announced some of the programmes that will benefit students and young Nigerians  from a long list of exchange programmes that are organised annually by the U.S. consulate. “We have programmes like American music mentorship programme for music producers to get mentorship and work in a part of America where all these happen, we also have Script to Screen for a one year course that is specifically for students, and we are also partnering with Entertainment Week Lagos where we will be having a crash course on scripting.”

In the same vein, the chairman of the occasion, Mrs Toki Mabogunje, in her speech noted that the event was aimed at equipping young people with skills, knowledge and attitudes needed to critically evaluate and create media content.

Mabogunje further stressed that the event also aims to promote media literacy as a critical component of education, civic engagement and social responsibility as well as providing a platform for young people to learn, share ideas, and showcase their talents.

“As young people participating in this capacity building programme, you have the opportunity to sharpen your skills and learn from veterans and experts in the industry. At this point in time, as young people, you have the opportunity to shape the stories that will inspire, entertain and educate generations to come,” she said.

Dr Husseini, on his part, urged the participating students to listen and endeavour to use the opportunity to learn and evolve their talents while meeting with industry experts.

“Being a lecturer, a journalist, dancer and creative, I have always wanted capacity building for students and I have always yearned for more of this fora for talented students to learn and build on their imbued talents. I am most grateful to the industry experts that decided to do this and walk on this journey with us as well as the participating students,” the NFVCB Executive Director said.

In the same vein, Dr Theresa Ifeoma Amobi of the Mass COmmunication Department of University of Lagos, kicked off the teaching with her session that dwells on Media Literacy. Dr Amobi spoke on the Information skills as a tool for combating information anomaly and disorder. She took her time to teach the students, who also participated with questions and show of understanding throughout the session.

The two day event had top film practitioners like Uzodinma Okpechi and Lancelot Oduwa Imasuen taking the directing session, John Duloju taking the cinematography session, Keppy Ekpeyong and Bimbo Akintola taking the acting sessions, Toyin Ogundeji taking the Costume Design sessions, Leo Omoseebi taking the creative design session, Anthony Kehinde Joseph and Bunmi Ajakaiye taking the scriptwriting sessions.

The breakout sessions were held inside the Afe Babalola auditorium, Mass Communication Building 7, Mass Communication Building 5, Mass Communication Building 3, and Mass Communication Building 1 for the two days.

The event ended with some participating students winning prizes for their steadfastness and dedication to the training while all participating students were presented with the certificate for participation by the NFVCB ED and other directors in attendance.

Other Nollywood stakeholders spotted at the event include Ambassador Dr Queen Blessing Ebigieson, Bolaji Amusan aka Mr Latin, Owolabi Ajasa, Ella Utomi and others.