Stephen-Imobhio Appointed FAN Representative for Nigeria

AILFF founder joins continental network promoting the circulation of African films

LAGOS, NIGERIA — September 8, 2026: Nigerian filmmaker and festival director Osezua Stephen-Imobhio has been appointed the Film Africa Network (FAN) Representative for Nigeria, effective September 8, 2026.

Stephen-Imobhio, Founder and Festival Director of the African Indigenous Language Film Festival (AILFF), will represent FAN in Nigeria and coordinate its activities in the country. His immediate assignment includes coordinating an upcoming FAN film screening in Nigeria.

The appointment adds to Stephen-Imobhio’s work in film production, festival development and the promotion of indigenous African-language cinema.

“I am deeply grateful to FAN for the trust they have placed in me,” Stephen-Imobhio said. “This is an opportunity to contribute meaningfully to building the infrastructure that African filmmakers have long needed—the connections that allow our stories to travel.”

Focusing on Film Distribution

FAN was established through a strategic partnership between the Pan African Writers Association (PAWA) and Ghana-based Driving Park Ltd (DPL), with a focus on increasing the circulation and exhibition of African films across the continent.

The network’s pilot programme is scheduled for October 2026 and is expected to involve 25 countries and five films. FAN’s stated long-term objective is to establish a continental exhibition platform covering all 54 African countries.

PAWA Secretary General Dr. Wale Okediran has described the partnership as a commitment to African storytelling. Ruby Ofori, CEO of Driving Park Ltd, has identified distribution as a key challenge for African filmmakers.

The network’s activities include film screenings and may also provide opportunities for licensing, broadcasting, educational programmes, festival collaborations and other industry engagements.

Promoting Indigenous African Stories

Stephen-Imobhio’s appointment brings his experience in indigenous-language filmmaking and festival programming to FAN’s Nigerian representation.

Through AILFF, he has promoted films and stories in African indigenous languages. FAN’s wider objectives include creating opportunities for African films to reach audiences across linguistic and national boundaries through measures such as subtitling and dubbing.

His appointment places Nigeria within FAN’s developing continental network and provides a national point of coordination for its activities.