Nigeria and Brazil have entered into a bilateral Audiovisual Co-production Agreement for the development, funding, and distribution of film and television projects, animations, and other audiovisual works.
By Vivian Nneka Nwajiaku
In a historic moment, Nigeria and Brazil have entered into a bilateral Audiovisual Co-production Agreement for the development, funding, and distribution of film and television projects, animations, and other audiovisual works.
Nigeria and Brazil have long shared historical and cultural ties, and are now strengthening their creative relationship with this treaty which is expected to provide both countries with access to incentives to encourage filmmaking and grow the creative industry in both countries.
According to Hannatu Musa-Musawa, Nigeria’s Minister of Arts, Culture, Tourism and the Creative Economy, who represented Nigeria at the signing, the co-production agreement aligns with the Ministry’s vision for “international cultural exchanges and diplomacy as well as sustainable creative sector growth through creating access to new markets.”
“This landmark partnership with Brazil is more than a bilateral accord,” Musa-Musawa notes. “It is a bridge between continents, between cultures and between creative economies. It affirms Nigeria’s commitment to telling stories on a global stage and working with like-minded nations to elevate African and Afro-Brazilian narratives. Together, we will spark innovation, create jobs, and strengthen the creative industries that bind our peoples historically and culturally.”
The activities to mark the event included visits to cultural landmarks in Lagos such as the Oba of Oniru’s Palace, the John Randle Centre for Yoruba Culture and History, Terra Kulture, and the Lekki Arts and Crafts Market.
The Brazilian delegation, which included officials from Brazil’s Ministry of Culture, senior policymakers, and industry leaders from Brazil’s cultural and entertainment sectors, were also hosted by the Office of the Vice President of Nigeria, partnering with Filmhouse Group, West Africa’s largest cinema exhibitors, at Filmhouse Cinemas – IMAX in Lagos, Nigeria.
The reception at Filmhouse Cinemas featured a presentation on Nigeria’s film and entertainment industry, including box office growth, emerging studios, and the potential for international collaboration. The Brazilian representatives and key Nigerian stakeholders also explored opportunities for collaboration in film, music, and the arts, with particular focus on Yoruba heritage due to Brazil’s historical relationship with Yoruba culture.
“Nigeria and Brazil are cultural siblings with shared roots and creative energies,” says Kene Okwuosa, Group CEO of Filmhouse Group. “At The Filmhouse Group, we believe storytelling is a bridge—one that can unite nations, spark economic growth, and shift global perceptions. We are committed to building enduring partnerships that elevate African stories and open doors for co-production, distribution, and investments across the Atlantic.”
“Beyond the diaspora community, there is Brazil, and there are Afro-Brazilians,” adds George Maha, a Nigerian-born Institutional and Government Relations Specialist at ApexBrasil, adds:. That connection matters. It’s time we embraced it more deliberately.”
The diplomatic event signals a promising new chapter in Brazil-Nigeria relations, one that recognises the capacity of the creative sector to promote diplomacy, culture preservation, and economic growth. Both the co-production treaty and the diplomatic visit are expected to yield long-term collaborations that could trigger significant creative and economic growth in both countries.
Details on implementation plans, including content creation, talent exchange, and financial investments, are expected to be announced in the near future.