Entertainment
Empowering Producers: British Council Unveils ‘Film Lab Africa’
Brenda Fashugba, the Regional Head for Creative Economy at the British Council, unveiled the “Film Lab Africa” project on Saturday.
This initiatives is a Pan-African effort aimed at empowering emerging filmmakers and TV producers, with its launch beginning in Nigeria.
As the Head of Arts and Creativity in Nigeria, Fashugba addressed the media, emphasizing that the “Film Lab Africa” project aims to enhance the Nigerian film industry, the world’s second-largest.
She highlighted that individuals with compelling Nigerian content could access $5,000 each through the initiative, forming collaborations with Nollywood Stars.
Fashugba added that the selection process involves online registration through designated sites.
She said “We celebrate the launch of Film Lab Africa, a transformative Pan-African initiative by the British Council dedicated to empowering emerging filmmakers and TV producers starting from Nigeria.
“This marks the beginning of an exciting journey—one that holds the promise of not just shaping the future of the creative industry but also of fostering collaboration, innovation, and cultural enrichment.
“We are set to introduce the birth of a programme that will become a catalyst for change, a platform for creative expression, and a hub for forging lasting connections,” she added
Fashugba emphasized that “Film Lab Africa” goes beyond being a mere program; it stands as a testament to the British Council’s dedication to nurturing talents and fostering cross-cultural collaboration in the realm of the creative economy.
“It reflects our belief in the transformative power of storytelling, and it is a resounding affirmation of our dedication to supporting the arts and creative industries.
“Film Lab Africa will provide aspiring filmmakers and television producers with tools, knowledge, and resources needed to craft compelling narratives and make their mark on the global stage.
“Through comprehensive capacity-building initiatives, technical training, mentorship, and workshops, participants will embark on a journey of self-discovery and creative exploration.
Fashugba expressed the council’s vision for a future where Nigerian filmmakers and TV producers gain global acclaim, their voices echoing globally, and their stories instigating change.
She urged other stakeholders to embrace the shared creative spirit and collaborate in shaping a brighter and more vibrant future for Nigeria’s creative industry.
Eloswag, a former contestant on Big Brother Naija Season 7, has broken his silence following the release of his private video online.
The reality star reportedly uploaded a clip featuring himself and an unidentified woman on his Snapchat account at approximately 3 a.m. on Sunday.
Though Eloswag swiftly deleted the video, it had already caught the attention of the internet.
The explicit content quickly gained traction after being reposted by the controversial gossip blog, Gistlover, sparking widespread conversations across social media platforms.
In response to the incident, Eloswag took to X (formerly Twitter) to express his frustration and consider possible legal action.
In a now-deleted post, he wrote, “I mistakenly posted a video on my Snapchat by 3am and deleted it immediately, guess who has the video? GISTLOVER? How? Please, can I sue? Because it doesn’t make sense.”
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The reality star’s reaction highlights the challenges celebrities face when intimate content finds its way online.
While some supporters have shown empathy, others have engaged in heated debates about the responsibility of public figures in handling their digital content.
Eloswag’s predicament places him alongside other Nigerian celebrities who have dealt with similar scandals, such as Moyo Lawal, Tiwa Savage, Oxlade, and James Brown, whose private videos have previously surfaced online.
Legal experts have weighed in on Eloswag’s potential case, noting that while pursuing legal action against individuals or platforms that share such content can be complex, it is not impossible.
The development has reignited discussions on digital privacy and the ethical responsibilities of content-sharing platforms.
As Eloswag’s fans and critics await further updates, the incident underscores the precarious nature of online privacy and the far-reaching consequences of a single momentary lapse.
Nigeria’s Chidimma Vanessa Adetshina has claimed the No. 2 spot on the Miss Universe Pre-Arrival Hot Picks, solidifying her position as a top contender in the upcoming November 16, 2024, pageant.
As excitement builds for Miss Universe 2024, Adetshina’s ranking has sparked national pride and optimism in Nigeria, with many hopeful she could secure the title.
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Adetshina arrived in Mexico last month to prepare for the competition and has since captured widespread attention.
However, her path to Miss Universe has been marked by challenges.
Initially competing as Miss Taraba in Miss Universe Nigeria, she withdrew from the Miss South Africa pageant following online backlash regarding her nationality and accusations of fraud by the South African Home Office.
This setback, however, did not deter her ambitions.
Her current standing as a top pick underscores her growing international recognition and support, positioning her as a formidable contender ahead of the competition.
Many have taken to social media to voice their support, with some declaring her Nigeria’s best chance yet to secure the Miss Universe crown.
Nigerians have been ranked among the top social media users globally, with 2024 data positioning the country fifth in the world for average daily time spent online.
According to figures from Cable.co.uk and We Are Social, shared by World of Statistics on X, Nigerians spend an average of 3 hours and 23 minutes per day on social media.
Leading the global list is Kenya, where users spend the most time on social media at 3 hours and 43 minutes daily. South Africa follows closely with 3 hours and 37 minutes, Brazil with 3 hours and 34 minutes, and the Philippines at 3 hours and 33 minutes.
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With an average of 3 hours and 23 minutes, Nigeria ranks just behind these top four countries in social media engagement.
Other nations with notable social media usage include Colombia at 3 hours and 22 minutes, Chile and Indonesia both at 3 hours and 11 minutes. Completing the top ten are Saudi Arabia and Argentina, with daily averages of 3 hours and 10 minutes and 3 hours and 8 minutes, respectively.
By comparison, some countries report lower social media usage. Ghana averages 2 hours and 43 minutes, Egypt 2 hours and 41 minutes, and Thailand 2 hours and 30 minutes.
Among European countries, social media engagement is generally lower, with Portugal averaging 2 hours and 23 minutes, Romania 2 hours and 20 minutes, and Italy 2 hours and 17 minutes, highlighting significant regional variations in social media usage.
Full list:
Kenya – 03:43
South Africa – 03:37
Brazil – 03:34
Philippines – 03:33
Nigeria – 03:23
Colombia – 03:22
Chile – 03:11
Indonesia – 03:11
Saudi Arabia – 03:10
Argentina – 03:08
Mexico – 03:04
Malaysia – 02:48
Ghana – 02:43
Egypt – 02:41
Thailand – 02:30
Bulgaria – 02:26
Vietnam – 02:23
Portugal – 02:23
Romania – 02:20
Italy – 02:17
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