Utica Capital has opened a call for project submissions for the newly launched Utica Film Fund, a ₦20 billion investment vehicle registered with the Securities and Exchange Commission in Nigeria to support commercially promising Nollywood projects.
By Adedamola Jones Adedayo
Utica Capital has opened a call for project submissions for the newly launched Utica Film Fund, a ₦20 billion investment vehicle registered with the Securities and Exchange Commission in Nigeria to support commercially promising Nollywood projects.
The Fund strategically targets what it considers essential products and services within the Nigerian film industry, with specific attention to projects that are capable of generating revenue locally and internationally. Aiming for sustainable growth and long-term value creation for investors, the Fund will support feature films, TV and film series, documentaries, and other film initiatives such as studios, equipment rentals, post-production and distribution.
Projects will undergo a structured evaluation process involving an advisory committee made up of industry leaders in film, finance, and culture. The committee members are actors Sani Mu’azu, Richard Mofe-Damijo, Omoni Oboli, Femi Adebayo, as well as Utica Capital’s founder and CEO Ola Belgore and media personality and television host Kachi Offiah. The advisory committee is expected to align with the Fund’s mission to “bridge capital with creativity, empowering filmmakers while delivering value to investors”.
An investment committee made up of experienced professionals has also been set up to oversee the Fund. They are expected to confirm that projects under consideration have financial potential, cultural value and align with the Fund’s vision. Investment committee members are Dr Ore Sofekun, Michael Oyebola, Emmanuel Fatusin, Funmi Ekundayo, Ereifemi Akeredolu and Ola Belgore.
As Nigeria’s film industry and creatives continue to rise and target international opportunities, the Utica Film Fund aims to recognise, shape and finance grassroots talents with business prospects. Beginning with this inaugural programme, the Fund hopes to institutionalise global investment standards in the local film market.
The Fund invites filmmakers and film-support companies with proven track records to submit their pitch decks and project proposals through the Utica Film Fund website.