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Nollywood is taking a significant step toward professionalising its business side, thanks to a new initiative by Trino Motion Pictures and the Nollywood International Film and TV Summit (NIFS).
As Trino Motion Pictures approaches its 10th anniversary, the Lagos-based studio is not only celebrating a decade of film production but also marking a shift from focusing solely on storytelling to developing the systems that enable films to reach audiences and generate revenue.
Earlier this year, Trino and NIFS launched the International Sales & Distribution Executives Program (ISDE Program), a three-month residency and mentorship designed specifically for film business executives.
The program, which included a flagship masterclass during NIFS Lagos 2025, is the first of its kind in Nollywood. Unlike traditional training aimed at filmmakers, the ISDE program equips participants with the skills to negotiate deals, localise content, and build relationships in international markets.
During the graduation ceremony of the first cohort at NIFS Lagos 2025, Trino Motion Pictures unveiled a content acquisition and sales division. CEO Uche Okocha highlighted the need for the division, pointing to a long-standing gap in Nollywood: while young filmmakers often excel at production, many struggle with distribution.
“Too many filmmakers know how to make films but have no idea how to sell them,” Okocha said, explaining that his team frequently fields calls from creatives seeking guidance on reaching distributors.
The new division aims to bridge that gap, ensuring that films are designed and marketed with commercial viability in mind from the start.
The first group of 12 graduates emerged with a clear mission: transform Nollywood’s culture from passion-driven production to profit-driven distribution.
Several participants admitted that before the ISDE program, they approached filmmaking without a commercial plan. One graduate described the experience as “a veil removed,” recognising that the biggest challenge for Nollywood was not funding but distribution.
International facilitators reinforced this point, highlighting that in established film industries, pre-sales and financing strategies are integrated from the start, whereas Nollywood often relies on personal or family funds.
The program reframed this approach, teaching executives to consider audience and distributor needs at every stage.
Graduates are now equipped to expand Nollywood’s reach, tapping into overlooked local markets, such as audiences with disabilities, and exploring opportunities with international buyers in Europe and beyond.
The initiative also complements creative discussions, such as those raised by filmmaker Biodun Stephen on Nollywood’s stereotype problem, by addressing similar challenges from a business perspective.
For Okocha, the first cohort represents only the beginning. The ISDE program will return in 2026, and Trino’s sales division is set to grow, producing more professionals dedicated to taking Nollywood content to global markets. “It’s about building the ecosystem,” he said. “That’s what we want to continue to do.”
By training executives who understand both the creative and commercial aspects of filmmaking, Trino Motion Pictures and NIFS are helping Nollywood transition into a more sustainable and globally competitive industry.
This initiative ensures that the stories Nigerian filmmakers craft today can reach audiences worldwide tomorrow.
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