Omoni Oboli, Patricia Bebia Launch Nigeria–Canada Film Partnership To Empower Women And Bridge Industries

In a groundbreaking collaboration that promises to reshape the global film landscape, Nigerian filmmaker Omoni Oboli and Canadian director Patricia Bebia have announced a new creative alliance aimed at bridging the Nigerian and Canadian film industries while empowering women in cinema.

The landmark announcement was made at the CBC Television’s Glenn Gould Studio in Toronto, where the duo officially launched NicaPro, a new production company, and the Future Reel Network, a mentorship and inclusion initiative designed to support women and underrepresented voices in film.

Under the NicaPro banner, the filmmakers plan to produce six feature films over the next three years, combining the dynamism of Nollywood’s storytelling with Canada’s technical precision and cinematic infrastructure. Each production will feature a blend of Nigerian and Canadian talent, promoting cultural exchange and expanding global audience reach.

Speaking at the event, Omoni Oboli, celebrated for acclaimed works such as Okafor’s Law and Love in Every Word, described the venture as more than a business collaboration but a movement for inclusivity and empowerment.

“Through the Future Reel Network, we’re creating pathways for women to learn, collaborate, and lead,” Oboli said. “This partnership is about breaking barriers and ensuring that women have the tools and networks to thrive in a global industry.”

Her co-founder, Patricia Bebia, an award-winning filmmaker and co-owner of Afroglobal Television, highlighted the shared vision that birthed the collaboration.

“NicaPro is a bridge between Nollywood and Canada where creativity meets excellence to inspire global audiences,” Bebia stated. “It’s about telling stories that resonate beyond borders, with authenticity and purpose.”

The initiative has received widespread commendation from both Nigerian and Canadian film stakeholders.
Joan Jenkinson, Executive Director of the Black Screen Office, praised the partnership as “a visionary step toward shared storytelling and connection,” noting that such collaborations could help eliminate cultural silos in global cinema.

Similarly, Dr. Jean Augustine, former Canadian cabinet minister and cultural advocate, underscored its diplomatic and creative significance.

“This partnership is more than art it’s about strengthening cultural ties, fostering diversity, and driving opportunity on a global scale,” she remarked

From Nigeria, Queen Blessing Ebigieson, President of the Association of Movie Producers (AMP), hailed the development as a precursor to a formal Nigeria–Canada Co-Production Treaty, which could unlock new avenues for investment, training, and distribution between both countries.

Beyond film production, the Future Reel Network will serve as an incubator for emerging talent, offering mentorship, workshops, and exchange programs for young filmmakers  especially women across Nigeria and Canada. The initiative aims to nurture the next generation of global storytellers equipped with cross-cultural fluency and digital expertise.

According to industry insiders, the Nigeria–Canada partnership reflects a growing recognition of Nollywood’s global influence and Canada’s increasing openness to African creative collaborations. With streaming platforms now spotlighting African cinema worldwide, NicaPro is poised to occupy a unique space in international co-productions.

“We’re building something that will outlast trends,” Oboli added. “This is about legacy creating a future where our stories, especially women’s stories, are told boldly, beautifully, and without apology.”

As NicaPro and the Future Reel Network begin operations, both Oboli and Bebia are already in development talks for their first slate of projects films that promise to blend African heart, Canadian craft, and universal resonance.

With this partnership, a new cinematic bridge has been built one that connects Lagos to Toronto, Nollywood to Hollywood North, and women’s voices to the global stage.