AGN Seeks Government, Corporate Backing For Children’s Film Festival

The Actors Guild of Nigeria (AGN) has called on governments, corporate organisations, development partners and non-governmental organisations to support the maiden edition of the African Children’s Film Festival (ACFF) 2026, describing the initiative as a platform to nurture the next generation of African filmmakers and storytellers.

The appeal was made on Tuesday in Abuja during the official unveiling of the festival.

Speaking at the event, AGN National President, Abubakar Yakubu, said the festival would provide children with opportunities to discover and develop their creative talents while promoting African culture, values and identity through film.

He explained that the Guild is seeking sponsorships and strategic partnerships to ensure the success of the initiative and create a safe environment where children can express themselves through filmmaking.

“We need lovers of children. We are calling on ministries, agencies, non-governmental organisations and industry players to key into this vision and make a safe haven for our children to grow,” Yakubu said.

He stressed the need to mentor young creatives to produce stories rooted in African traditions rather than imitate content on social media.

“There must be an element that promotes your culture, your tradition and your beliefs, not what you see on social media. We will ensure they are properly mentored to follow professional guidelines and produce stories that are truly ours, not borrowed stories,” he added.

Yakubu noted that the festival’s primary objective is talent development rather than commercial gain, describing filmmaking as a powerful tool for education, entertainment and social transformation.

“The immediate goal is not to make money. It is to help children express their creativity in positive ways that educate and inspire people. Through the festival, we will begin to explore the limitless creativity of our children and shape the future of Nigeria’s film industry,” he said.

Also speaking, the festival’s director, Beth Ogbuefi, described the initiative as a movement designed to place African children at the centre of storytelling and cultural expression.

She said the festival, themed: “Our Stories, Our Lens, Our Voices,” is open to children of African heritage between the ages of five and 18, regardless of where they live.

According to Ogbuefi, the festival seeks to empower children to tell their own stories and challenge narratives that have long been shaped by others.

“Our theme this year captures the very essence of what ACFF stands for. It is a declaration that African children are not just passive audiences but active creators. They have stories to tell, perspectives to share and voices that deserve to be heard on the global stage,” she said.

She explained that participants would have the opportunity to write scripts, direct films, explore animation and digital storytelling, while benefiting from mentorship programmes, workshops and masterclasses.

Ogbuefi added that registration for the festival would be free to encourage participation from children and schools across Africa and the diaspora.

She also appealed to governments, corporate organisations and development partners to support the initiative through sponsorships and strategic partnerships to ensure its successful take-off and long-term sustainability.