So, you’ve got a brilliant film idea — maybe it’s a gritty Nollywood drama, a heart-wrenching village tale, or a genre-bending indie film. You’ve played out the scenes in your head a million times, visualized the trailer, and maybe even written a script or a pitch deck. But there’s one huge roadblock standing between your dream and reality: funding.
Whether you’re a seasoned storyteller or a first-time filmmaker, getting film funding in Nigeria can feel like climbing Mount Kilimanjaro in flip-flops. But here’s the good news — it’s not impossible. With the right knowledge, persistence, and creativity, you can raise the money to bring your film to life, even if you’re just starting out.
Let’s break it down.
1. Understand What Makes a Fundable Film Project
Before you start sending out proposals or begging for support, you need to look at your project critically. Is it commercially viable? Is the story unique? Does it speak to a current social issue or trend in Nigerian society? Investors want to know they’re not just funding a dream — they’re investing in something that can succeed.
Your project should have:
- A well-written script or treatment
- A compelling logline and synopsis
- A clear budget breakdown
- A plan for distribution (how will people see this film?)
You don’t need to be a professional producer to prepare these, but you do need to show you’re serious. Your confidence and clarity will do half the convincing.
2. Leverage Film Grants and Fellowships in Nigeria
Many filmmakers overlook this route, but film grants are among the most accessible forms of funding — especially for new voices. They’re often offered by government bodies, NGOs, international cultural organizations, and private foundations.
Some notable ones include:
- Project ACT Nollywood (an initiative by the Nigerian government to fund film development)
- The British Council Film Lab (great for first-timers looking to sharpen their skills and receive financial and mentorship support)
- Goethe-Institut’s Lagos Film Lab
- AFRIFF Film Competition and Talent Development Programs
- Netflix/UNESCO Short Film Competition (which includes funding and global exposure)
Grants don’t require you to repay the money, and many are designed specifically for first-time filmmakers in Nigeria. Follow their submission guidelines closely, and focus on telling a powerful, local story with global relevance.
3. Crowdfunding: Let the People Support Your Vision
Platforms like Indiegogo, Kickstarter, and even GoFundMe have become powerful tools for independent filmmakers across the world — and Nigerian creatives are starting to catch on.
Create a campaign page that explains your story, your journey, and what the film will mean for your audience. Include visuals, teasers (even if it’s just mood boards or short concept clips), and a breakdown of how the money will be used. Be authentic and personal — Nigerians love a good backstory and will support you if they connect with your purpose.
Promote your campaign on social media, tap into local communities, and encourage small contributions. The key here is momentum — once people see others supporting you, they’ll be more likely to join in.
4. Seek Out Private Investors and Executive Producers
Sometimes, funding doesn’t come from institutions — it comes from people with money and a soft spot for the arts. You’d be surprised how many entrepreneurs, business moguls, and entertainment enthusiasts in Nigeria are interested in dabbling in film as co-producers or executive producers.
These are typically high-net-worth individuals who will fund your film in exchange for:
- A share of the profits
- A producer credit
- Influence over the creative process
To attract investors, create a simple but attractive pitch deck that includes:
- Your vision
- The story’s potential
- How the film will make money (through cinemas, streaming platforms, or festivals)
It’s helpful to network at film festivals, creative summits, and industry mixers. A well-placed connection can open doors you didn’t know existed.
5. Partner with Brands and Companies
Nigeria’s brands are increasingly open to collaborating with creatives. Whether it’s through product placement, co-branding, or CSR (Corporate Social Responsibility) sponsorship, companies are looking for ways to engage their audiences through storytelling.
Let’s say your film is about youth empowerment or gender-based violence — brands that align with those themes may be interested in sponsoring you. Even telecoms and banks are starting to see the value of creative sponsorship.
Approach them with a customized proposal that:
- Shows your film’s relevance to their brand
- Includes marketing opportunities for them
- Demonstrates reach and audience engagement
This type of funding often requires tact and professionalism — but it’s a goldmine if done right.
6. Film Competitions and Pitch Forums
Every year, several film pitch forums and competitions are held across Nigeria and Africa. These are designed to help filmmakers sharpen their ideas, get mentorship, and access funding.
Examples include:
- Durban FilmMart
- Realness Institute Development Lab
- Ebonylife Creative Academy
- NollywoodWeek Paris Pitch Sessions
Not only do you get funding if you win, but even being shortlisted gives you visibility and potential collaborators. These platforms are especially useful for emerging Nigerian filmmakers trying to break into the industry.
7. Use Film Festivals as a Launchpad
Though film festivals are usually associated with premieres, they’re also one of the best places to secure funding for future projects. By screening short films or participating in talent development programs, you get exposed to producers, funders, and industry gatekeepers.
Festivals like:
- AFRIFF (Africa International Film Festival)
- Lights, Camera, Africa!
- NollywoodWeek Paris
- The Africa Movie Academy Awards (AMAA)
…are all great platforms to build your reputation and network with people who have the resources to back your next big idea.
8. Build a Social Media Presence as a Filmmaker
In today’s world, being talented isn’t enough — you also have to be visible. Social media can play a major role in getting you noticed by funders, collaborators, and even film platforms like Netflix Naija or Prime Video.
Start sharing your film journey — behind-the-scenes content, rehearsal videos, location scouts, your writing process, etc. The more people connect with your journey, the more likely they are to support you.
Having an engaged following also makes you more attractive to potential funders, who will see your existing audience as built-in promotion.
Final Thoughts
Getting film funding in Nigeria, especially as a first-time filmmaker, requires patience, resourcefulness, and persistence. You have to knock on multiple doors, hear a lot of “nos,” and still keep your vision alive. But those who do — those who push, polish their pitch, and dare to believe — often end up making films that change the game.
Don’t wait for perfection before you start. Start where you are. Use your phone camera, your street, your friends. Submit your short film to a competition. Post your concept trailer online. And keep pitching.
The Nigerian film industry is growing, and there’s room for new voices like yours — but only if you believe your story deserves to be told.
Now, go get that funding.
