The film industries of Nigeria and Canada have taken a major step toward deeper collaboration with the launch of NicaPro and the Future Reel Network, co-founded by Nigerian filmmaker Omoni Oboli and Canadian producer Patricia Bebia. The unveiling took place at CBC Television’s Glenn Gould Studio in Toronto.
NicaPro is a joint production company that will produce six feature films over the next three years, with projects to be developed and filmed across both countries. The initiative aims to connect Nollywood’s storytelling tradition with Canada’s film production expertise, creating new opportunities for collaboration and cultural exchange.
Omoni Oboli is an actor, director, and producer whose films have contributed to Nollywood’s global recognition. Her film Okafor’s Law premiered at the Toronto International Film Festival, drawing international attention to Nigerian cinema. Her recent release, Love in Every Word, has reached more than 28 million views on YouTube. Across her digital productions, she has attracted more than 350 million views, reflecting a strong connection with global audiences.
Patricia Bebia, a filmmaker, writer, and director based in Canada, is known for The Life Coach, which has screened in Canada, the United States, and the Caribbean. She serves as President of Diamond Plus Media and Co-Owner and Executive Vice President of Afroglobal Television. Her work focuses on strengthening representation and building cultural connections through film and television.
According to Bebia, “Omoni and I believe that stories deserve the world and the world deserves our stories. NicaPro is that bridge between Nollywood and Canada, where creativity meets excellence to inspire global audiences.”
Alongside NicaPro, the filmmakers introduced the Future Reel Network, a not-for-profit platform designed to support mentorship, training, and collaboration among women filmmakers in Canada, Nigeria, and beyond.
“Through the Future Reel Network, we’re creating pathways for women to learn, collaborate, and lead,” said Oboli. “Because talent is universal but opportunity is not.”
Industry leaders described the initiative as a meaningful model for international cooperation. 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.”
Dr. Jean Augustine, former Canadian cabinet minister, said the partnership “strengthens cultural ties, drives opportunity, and inspires equity on a global scale.”
In a message from Nigeria, Amb. Dr. Queen Blessing Ebigieson, President of the Association of Movie Producers, said: “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 signals a new phase of cooperation between Nigeria and Canada, with shared goals of advancing cross-cultural storytelling and promoting women’s leadership in film.
