In a bid to strengthen their bilateral relationship, Nigeria and Brazil are focusing on the vibrant creative industries. A high-level Brazilian delegation recently visited Lagos, hosted by the Office of the Vice President of Nigeria and Filmhouse Group, to explore avenues for cooperation in film, music, and the arts.
The visit underscored the deep historical and ancestral connections between the two nations, especially through Yoruba cultural heritage. The Brazilian delegation, comprising senior policymakers and leaders from their cultural and entertainment sectors, engaged with key Nigerian stakeholders, signalling a robust commitment to fostering enduring partnerships.
As part of their immersive Lagos tour, the Brazilian representatives experienced a curated journey through Nigeria’s rich cultural tapestry. This included visits to Filmhouse Cinemas – IMAX, Lekki (West Africa’s largest cinema exhibitor), the Oba of Oniru’s Palace, the John Randle Centre for Yoruba Culture and History, Terra Kulture, and the Lekki Arts and Crafts Market. These experiences showcased Nigeria’s artistic vibrancy and its potential as a global creative hub.
Kene Okwuosa, Group CEO of Filmhouse Group (encompassing Filmhouse Cinemas, FilmOne Entertainment, and FilmOne Studios), articulated the profound significance of this collaboration. “This visit is more than symbolic, it’s a catalyst,” Okwuosa stated. He emphasised the shared cultural roots and creative energies between Nigeria and Brazil, highlighting storytelling as a powerful “bridge” to unite nations, stimulate economic growth, and positively reshape global perceptions. Filmhouse Group is dedicated to building partnerships that elevate African stories and facilitate co-production, distribution, and investments across the Atlantic.
During a reception at Filmhouse Cinemas IMAX, Lekki, the Brazilian delegates received a comprehensive overview of Nigeria’s rapidly expanding entertainment landscape, noting its robust box office growth, emerging studios, and immense potential for international collaboration. Okwuosa reiterated Filmhouse Group’s commitment to driving economic inclusion through the creative sector, affirming their readiness “to lead the charge in global partnerships that unlock the immense potential of Africa’s creative economy.”
Adding a deeply personal dimension to the dialogue, George Maha, Institutional and Government Relations Specialist at ApexBrasil, reflected, “I am Nigerian. I was born here in Lagos. But beyond the diaspora community, there is Brazil, and there are Afro-Brazilians. That connection matters. It’s time we embraced it more deliberately.” This sentiment was echoed by Rachel Maia, CEO of RM Cia 360, who expressed eagerness for future collaborations, noting, “I’ve collaborated with American, Danish, and French brands. Now I want to work with Nigerians. We are connected by history and culture, and we don’t need to ask each other for favours. Nigeria has quality, and so do we. Let’s build something meaningful together.”
The Brazilian delegation, including officials from Brazil’s Ministry of Culture and influential creative industry leaders, lauded Nigeria’s cultural dynamism. They expressed a strong commitment to long-term partnerships in content creation, talent exchange, and investment. This landmark initiative is poised to usher in a new chapter in Nigeria-Brazil relations, fostering impactful collaborations and further positioning Lagos as a creative capital with burgeoning global influence.
