Nollywood filmmakers and Chinese film executives have unveiled a strategic partnership aimed at expanding Nigerian cinema into China’s lucrative film market through theatrical distribution, co-productions and technology exchange.
The initiative was announced on Thursday in Abuja during the opening of the Chinese Film Exhibition in Nigeria 2026, organised alongside the 23rd Abuja International Film Festival at the China Cultural Centre.
AIFF Founder Fidelis Duker described the partnership as an opportunity to connect Nigerian storytelling directly with Chinese audiences while reducing dependence on traditional Western distribution channels.
He said combining Nollywood’s storytelling strengths with China’s advanced film technology, investment and distribution networks could create significant opportunities for both countries’ creative industries.
Duker added that the collaboration would promote skills development, technological exchange and new opportunities for young Nigerians seeking careers in filmmaking.
Chairman of Huaxia Film Distribution Company Limited, Dai Yiming, said Chinese audiences were increasingly interested in diverse stories and described the partnership as a platform for introducing Nigerian films to millions of Chinese cinema enthusiasts.
He said the initiative would also strengthen the exchange of films between both countries and create commercial opportunities for their film industries.
Representatives of the National Film and Video Censors Board and cinema distributors from Lagos are participating in discussions aimed at establishing regulatory arrangements, co-production channels and theatrical release opportunities.
Director of the China Cultural Centre in Nigeria, Yang Jianxing, said the partnership would promote cultural understanding and strengthen relations between Nigeria and China through cinema.
He also highlighted previous efforts to dub productions into Hausa and other local languages to improve accessibility and audience engagement.
The 2026 exhibition features Chinese films, including The Lychee Road, Blades of the Guardians and Shadow Edge. Five Chinese feature films are also competing for awards at the Abuja International Film Festival.
The proposed collaboration is expected to open new pathways for Nigerian filmmakers seeking wider international audiences.
