“We See Potential In Deepening US Nigeria Partnerships In Film & TV – US Diplomat

The US Embassy in Nigeria has said there is significant potential to deepen the partnership between the American and Nigerian film and television industries.

US Embassy Public Diplomacy Officer, Raisa Dukas, made this known at the opening of the maiden American Film Showcase (AFS) and Kaduna International Film Festival (KADIFF) Film Production Workshop scheduled to hold from March 3 to 5, 2026.

At present, when global competition in the creative sector is fierce, Dukas said a partnership between both countries’ film and television industries “will not only drive economic returns and support American and Nigerian jobs, but also foster innovation and enduring commercial ties.

Such a partnership, she said, will not only ensure that the US leads by example but also champions American excellence, values, and commercial interests at the forefront of the global creative industry.

“Our collaboration is grounded in the belief that American innovation and values set the benchmark for creative excellence and economic growth. The United States is committed to being Nigeria’s partner of choice, ensuring that American leadership and values remain at the forefront of the creative industry.”

She commended the US Embassy’s Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs for making the workshop a reality, and the University of Southern California for its strong leadership, which has made AFS a global standard for creative exchange.

“Special thanks to our facilitator, Patrick Shen, for sharing his expertise and advancing American leadership in storytelling and professional development.”

To the participants, she urged that they seize the opportunities for mentorship, networking, and learning, stating, “together we can elevate filmmaking, strengthen commercial partnerships, and reinforce the enduring ties between our nations.

Speaking at the virtual event, founder and director of KADIFF, Israel Kashim Audu, said that while Nollywood isn’t lacking in production quantity, quality production remains a challenge, hence the need for the workshop.

“We need further collaborations with Nigerians in the US, to learn and share ideas, beyond this workshop, and in particular with Mr Shen.

“We look forward to the practical aspects of the workshop where Mr Shen gets to work with the participants on the projects they submitted via the application form.”

The AFS KADIFF Film Production Workshop is a part of activities hosted by the US government to mark the nation’s 250th anniversary on July 4, 2026.

The workshop, facilitated by Award-winning American Documentary filmmaker Patrick Shen, saw Participants undertake a 2-hour Masterclass on Documentary and Narrative Fiction Filmmaking on the first day. In contrast, on the second and third days, they will receive hands-on training through the specific projects they submitted for the workshop.