Making a short film in Nigeria is a bold creative feat, but getting people to actually watch it is a whole different game. The Nigerian film industry, popularly called Nollywood, is bursting with content. Every day, new films are uploaded, streamed, or screened—but many short films never make it to a wide audience. If you’ve poured your heart into producing a short film, you must understand the art of distribution to give it the audience it deserves.
This blog post will walk you through practical strategies on how to distribute your short film in Nigeria and actually get people to watch it, whether you’re a first-time filmmaker or looking to scale up.
Start With a Clear Distribution Plan
Before you even finish editing, start planning how you want your short film to reach its audience. In Nigeria’s competitive entertainment scene, a clear strategy gives you an edge. Are you targeting local film festivals? Do you want it to go viral on social media? Is your audience young Nigerians online or niche cinema lovers in Lagos and Abuja? Having a focused distribution plan will help you decide where and how to share your film.
Submit to Nigerian Film Festivals
One of the smartest first steps in short film distribution in Nigeria is entering film festivals. These platforms are made to showcase emerging talent and can bring a lot of attention to your work. Some of the top Nigerian festivals to consider include:
- Africa International Film Festival (AFRIFF)
- Lagos International Film Festival
- Lights, Camera, Africa! Film Festival
- Nollywood Week in Paris (for international exposure)
Submitting to film festivals helps you get critical recognition and possibly awards, which add credibility to your work. Plus, many of these festivals are attended by distributors, investors, and media houses looking for new content.
Use Online Platforms Strategically
Nigeria’s internet penetration and mobile usage are rapidly growing, making online platforms essential for short film distribution. YouTube, Instagram TV, and Facebook Watch are free and offer large audiences. However, just uploading isn’t enough. You need to:
- Create a short, engaging trailer to hype your film.
- Use trending hashtags and relevant keywords like short film Nigeria, Nollywood short, African short film.
- Promote it with influencer shout-outs or niche content pages on Instagram and TikTok.
- Drop teasers and behind-the-scenes clips to build curiosity.
Don’t underestimate TikTok either. While it doesn’t allow long-form content, a 1-minute clip or monologue from your short film can go viral and drive viewers to your YouTube or Vimeo link.
Collaborate with Nigerian Film Communities
There are thriving film communities in Nigeria that are always on the lookout for new content. Whether it’s Lagos-based creative collectives, Abuja’s indie filmmakers, or Port Harcourt’s growing arts scene, connecting with like-minded creators can open new doors. Attend networking events, join WhatsApp or Telegram groups, and share your work within these circles.
These communities often have access to screening spaces, online channels, and insider info on distribution trends in Nigeria’s film industry. Some even offer support with getting your short film on platforms like IrokoTV or Showmax.
Explore Local Cinemas and Community Screenings
Although it’s rare for Nigerian cinemas to show short films, it’s not impossible—especially if you bundle multiple shorts into a screening event. Partner with other filmmakers, rent a small hall or community cinema like Freedom Park Lagos, and host a screening night.
You can also tap into cultural centers and universities. Many campuses host film nights and would be open to showing your film if it has an educational or youth-oriented message. Add a Q&A session or invite a panel to discuss the film’s theme—it draws crowds and encourages deeper engagement.
Leverage Streaming Services
Getting your short film on a paid streaming platform is harder, but very rewarding. Platforms like Showmax, IrokoTV, and Netflix Naija are constantly looking for fresh African content. While they usually lean towards feature-length films or series, a compelling short film with high production value can still break through.
Make sure your film has:
- A strong logline and synopsis
- Subtitles if needed
- Broadcast-ready sound and visuals
- A press kit or lookbook
You may need to pitch through a distributor or aggregator, but many Nigerian creators have found success on these platforms when they present their content professionally.
Use Email Newsletters and Blogs
Build a mailing list—even if it starts with just 50 people. Your friends, fans, and early supporters can help amplify your reach. Send them updates, screening info, and behind-the-scenes stories. People love feeling like insiders, and word-of-mouth can be powerful in Nigeria’s tight-knit creative space.
Also, pitch your film to Nigerian film blogs and entertainment websites like BellaNaija, Pulse Nigeria, or Nigerian Entertainment Today. If they feature you, your short film could be introduced to thousands of new viewers.
Collaborate with NGOs and Brands
If your short film has a social message—whether it’s about gender equality, youth empowerment, education, or health—nonprofits and corporate brands may be interested in distributing it. Many NGOs in Nigeria fund or distribute short films that align with their campaigns.
Approach them with a clear angle and show how your film supports their mission. They could sponsor screenings, promote your film on their platforms, or even help you make a sequel.
Monitor, Learn, and Repackage
Distribution is not a one-time activity. After your initial launch, track how people are responding. Use YouTube Analytics, Instagram insights, and survey feedback to understand what worked. If your short film gained traction, consider repackaging it:
- Develop a web series based on the story
- Release a director’s cut or behind-the-scenes documentary
- Turn the short into a full-length feature film
This shows you’re building a brand, not just a one-off project.
Final Thoughts
Distributing a short film in Nigeria and getting people to watch it requires hustle, creativity, and strategy. You’re not just a filmmaker—you’re also a marketer, a networker, and a storyteller who must find the best platform for your voice.
Nigeria’s film ecosystem is growing fast, and there’s space for new voices. With the right mix of planning, networking, and online engagement, your short film can reach more people than you ever imagined. Whether it’s through a film festival screening, a viral Instagram clip, or a community cinema night, what matters is that your story gets seen, felt, and shared.
So, go ahead—distribute boldly, market smartly, and let your short film find its audience.
