The partnership between Nigeria and Canada in the global film industry took a major step forward as filmmakers Omoni Oboli and Patricia Bebia unveiled NicaPro and the Future Reel Network at CBC Television’s Glenn Gould Studio in Toronto.
The two initiatives aim to strengthen collaboration between Nollywood and the Canadian film industry, combining Africa’s storytelling energy with Canada’s creative and technical expertise.
Omoni Oboli is a Nigerian filmmaker, director, actor, and producer whose work has earned recognition within and outside Africa. Her film Okafor’s Law premiered at the Toronto International Film Festival, expanding Nollywood’s presence on the international stage. Her recent project Love in Every Word reached over 28 million views on YouTube, making it one of the most-watched Nigerian films on the platform. Through her digital content, she has built a large audience, with more than 350 million views across various productions.
Patricia Bebia, a Canadian filmmaker, writer, and director, is known for The Life Coach, which screened in Canada, the United States, and the Caribbean. She is the President of Diamond Plus Media and Co-Owner and Executive Vice President of Afroglobal Television, one of Canada’s leading Black-owned media networks. Her work has focused on advancing representation and building bridges between diverse cultures through film and television.
Together, Oboli and Bebia have founded NicaPro, a joint production company that will produce six feature films over the next three years. The films will be developed and shot across both countries, highlighting shared experiences and themes that connect global audiences.
“Omoni and I believe that stories deserve the world and the world deserves our stories,” said Patricia Bebia. “NicaPro is that bridge between Nollywood and Canada, where creativity meets excellence to inspire global audiences.”
In addition to NicaPro, the filmmakers launched the Future Reel Network, a not-for-profit platform for mentorship, training, and collaboration among women filmmakers in Canada, Nigeria, and other countries.
“Through the Future Reel Network, we’re creating pathways for women to learn, collaborate, and lead,” said Omoni Oboli. “Because talent is universal but opportunity is not.”
The event drew attention from industry leaders who described the partnership as an important model for international cooperation in the creative sector.
Joan Jenkinson, Executive Director of the Black Screen Office, said: “NicaPro isn’t just a slate of films, it’s a strategy for connection, for shared storytelling, and for building something bigger than either industry could do on its own.”
The Honourable Dr. Jean Augustine, former Canadian cabinet minister, added: “This groundbreaking collaboration strengthens cultural ties, drives opportunity, and inspires equity on a global scale.”
Canadian filmmaker Jennifer Holness described the launch as “a transformative moment for the global screen industry.”
In a statement from Nigeria, Amb. Dr. Queen Blessing Ebigieson, President of the Association of Movie Producers, said: “We look forward to a comprehensive Nigeria–Canada treaty. This collaboration is a powerful step toward a co-production treaty that unlocks opportunities, expands markets, and deepens ties.”
The launch of NicaPro and the Future Reel Network marks a milestone in international filmmaking. It signals growing cooperation between Nigeria and Canada in advancing cross-cultural storytelling, developing new talent, and promoting women’s leadership in film.
