At CBC Television’s Glenn Gould Studio in Toronto, two powerhouse filmmakers, Omoni Oboli and Patricia Bebia made history with the launch of NicaPro, a groundbreaking cross-continental film venture designed to connect the creative worlds of Nollywood and Canada’s screen industry. The event also introduced The Future Reel Network, a not-for-profit platform dedicated to training, mentorship, and collaboration for women filmmakers across both countries. Together, these two initiatives signal a new era of creative exchange, representation, and opportunity in global cinema.
Omoni Oboli, one of Nollywood’s most recognized directors and producers, has long been at the forefront of elevating African cinema to international audiences. From her TIFF-premiered film Okafor’s Law to her digital success Love in Every Word, which has surpassed 28 million YouTube views, making it one of Nollywood’s most-watched films online. Oboli continues to push creative boundaries and expand her global reach.
Patricia Bebia, an acclaimed Canadian filmmaker and media executive, brings her own wealth of experience. Known for her award-winning feature The Life Coach, Bebia also serves as President of Diamond Plus Media and Executive Vice President of Afroglobal Television, Canada’s largest Black-owned media network. Her work has consistently championed diversity, inclusion, and cross-cultural storytelling.
Through NicaPro, Oboli and Bebia plan to produce six feature films over the next three years, combining African storytelling with Canadian craftsmanship to create films that resonate with audiences around the world. “Stories deserve the world, and the world deserves our stories,” Bebia shared during the launch, describing NicaPro as “a bridge between Nollywood and Canada, where creativity meets excellence.”
Alongside NicaPro, the Future Reel Network seeks to close the gender gap in film by providing real, tangible opportunities for women to learn, collaborate, and lead in the industry. “Through the Future Reel Network, we’re creating access,” Oboli said. “Talent is universal, but opportunity isn’t.”
The initiative has already earned praise from industry leaders. Joan Jenkinson, Executive Director of the Black Screen Office, called NicaPro “a strategy for connection and shared storytelling,” while The Honourable Dr. Jean Augustine commended the collaboration for “strengthening cultural ties and driving opportunity on a global scale.” Veteran filmmaker Jennifer Holness described the partnership as “a transformative moment for the global screen industry.” Meanwhile, Ambassador Dr. Queen Blessing Ebigieson, President of the Association of Movie Producers, Nigeria, noted that it represents “a powerful step toward a Nigeria–Canada co-production treaty that will expand markets and deepen creative ties.”
The launch of NicaPro and the Future Reel Network marks more than just a collaboration, it’s a cultural statement. It underscores the power of storytelling to unite continents, empower creators, and inspire change. As Oboli and Bebia take this bold step forward, they’re not just making films, they’re making history.