NIFS@Cannes 2025 | Agenda

Kene Okwuosa

Group CEO Filmhouse Group

With over 18 years’ experience in Cinema Exhibition, Operations management, Film Distribution and Production gained from several locations across the world including the UK, US and Nigeria. Co-founder and currently the Group Chief Executive Officer of Filmhouse Cinemas and FilmOne Distribution and Production Limited, Nigeria. Filmhouse is the largest cinema chain in West Africa and FilmOne is the fastest growing studio-styled organization responsible for numerous box office hits.

Ladun Awobokun

Chief Content Officer Filmone Ltd

Ladun Awobokun is a seasoned content strategist with 15 years combined experience in formulating content licensing models, film programming, Content production, sales & acquisition. She currently drives the content strategy for Filmone Ltd, guiding both the distribution and production efforts of the company, as the Chief Content Officer. Ladun and her team are responsible for distributing 90% of the highest grossing Nollywood titles of all times.

Ladun Awobokun

Chief Content Officer Filmone Ltd

Ladun Awobokun is a seasoned content strategist with 15 years combined experience in formulating content licensing models, film programming, Content production, sales & acquisition. She currently drives the content strategy for Filmone Ltd, guiding both the distribution and production efforts of the company, as the Chief Content Officer. Ladun and her team are responsible for distributing 90% of the highest grossing Nollywood titles of all times.

Ijeoma Onah

Founder, Nigerian International Film & TV Summit

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Ijeoma Onah

Founder, Nigerian International Film & TV Summit

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Moses Babatope

Group CEO, Nile Media Entertainment Group

A leading figure in the Nigerian film industry. With over 20 years of experience, he is widely regarded for his pioneering work in film distribution, exhibition, and production. Pioneering the global distribution and exhibition of African films. he has played a pivotal role in transforming Nollywood and bringing African films to global audiences. Babatope has produced and executive produced more than 40 of Nollywood's biggest titles, contributing to the industry's growth and international recognition.

Uche Okocha

CEO, Trino Motion Pictures

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Murphy Anawana

Founder/Chairman Murphy Ben Intl (Aforevo TV)

Murphy Anawana is the CEO of Murphy Ben International (MBI); a media power house in Nigeria with offices in Cameroon, Congo and kenya Birthed in 2013, MBI is the parent company of the Aforevo brand made up of; Aforevo YouTube( Largest YT partner in Africa), Aforevo TV ( broadcasting in over 9 African countries) Aforevo Dubbing ( with over 30 studios in African*), Aforevo Production and the newest addition: Vybz FM

Jacques Van Hollebeke

Director of Business Development Africa, TransPerfect Media

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Jacques Barreau

Dean of the Dubbing Academy and Vice President – Media & Interactive Entertainment, TransPerfect Media

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Stephen Hodge

Co-Founder, Chief Executive Officer, and Chairman at OTTera

Stephen Hodge is the Co-Founder, Chief Executive Officer, and Chairman at OTTera. He previously worked at Digital Media Interactive as a Chief Marketing Officer.

Kene Okwuosa

Group CEO Filmhouse Group

With over 18 years’ experience in Cinema Exhibition, Operations management, Film Distribution and Production gained from several locations across the world including the UK, US and Nigeria. Co-founder and currently the Group Chief Executive Officer of Filmhouse Cinemas and FilmOne Distribution and Production Limited, Nigeria. Filmhouse is the largest cinema chain in West Africa and FilmOne is the fastest growing studio-styled organization responsible for numerous box office hits.

Francis Nebot

Managing Director, iFIND

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Ladun Awobokun

Chief Content Officer Filmone Ltd

Ladun Awobokun is a seasoned content strategist with 15 years combined experience in formulating content licensing models, film programming, Content production, sales & acquisition. She currently drives the content strategy for Filmone Ltd, guiding both the distribution and production efforts of the company, as the Chief Content Officer. Ladun and her team are responsible for distributing 90% of the highest grossing Nollywood titles of all times.

Simon Tchokonte

CEO Dalino Media

With 14 years of experience in content distribution, Simon TCHOKONTE is the founder and CEO of Dalino Media. This Paris-based company specialises in acquiring and distributing content of all genres from all continents. Movies, Series, Animation, Sports, Documentaries, Magic, Pranks, Comedy… We have a network of buyers in 145 countries. We are also a consulting entity for companies looking forward to starting their OTT services and FAST channels.

Ijeoma Onah

Founder, Nigerian International Film & TV Summit

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Serge Noukoue

Co- Founder, Okada Media Distribution

Serge Noukoué is an executive with a Film & TV industry experience of over 15 years that spans across three continents (Europe, Latin America, Africa) and encompasses content curation, content distribution and acquisition as well as Cultural Diplomacy (he served as the French Film & Media Attaché for East Africa from September 2020 to August 2024) Serge is also the co-founder of Okada Media Distribution a company with a global footprint that focuses globalizing narratives from Africa and its diasporas. Okada Media, which is no longer simply focused on distribution but also on production and Talent Management, is an offspring of the NollywoodWeek film festival that Serge founded in 2013 and that takes place annually in Paris, France. Regular contributor as a panelist or Jury member in various festivals and conferences, Serge’s expertise in the Film & Media industry and in the Creative Economy at large Serge has led him to work more and more in an advisory position. Passionate about the role the creative industries can play in developing countries’ economies, fluent in French, English and Portuguese, Serge is a multi-faceted professional with a mission: change the narrative and unlock the potential of the African Entertainment space.

Kachi Offiah

Creative Director, Kavita Live

Kachi Offiah is a dynamic media professional, storyteller, and creative strategist with a passion for bridging local narratives with global conversations. With a keen eye for impactful storytelling and a commitment to journalistic integrity, With a background as an entertainment and lifestyle journalist, Kachi has built a career as a results-oriented producer with more than eight years in the media industry, beginning as an intern at 99.9 Kiss FM Abuja. She currently serves as a producer and presenter on Arise News, where her work has taken her to international events like the Oscars and Met Gala, capturing global entertainment milestones. In addition to her television presence, Kachi is a sought-after master of ceremonies for corporate and social events. She draws on her journalistic experience to create authentic connections with audiences, making each event memorable. She also serves on the board of Kavita, a media and communication company she founded, dedicated to telling impactful stories, establishing supportive structures for creatives and providing balanced views on global issues. As the driving force behind Kavita Live, a subsidiary of Kavita, Kachi leads a media platform that delivers exclusive coverage of high-profile cultural, entertainment, and industry events. Kachi holds an LLB in Law and is currently pursuing an LLM, bringing a unique perspective to her media work that balances legal insight with creative vision..

Shantelle Rochester

Founder Know Your Power

Shantelle is an entrepreneur with experience in business and planning for companies and individuals which she brought to Film & TV over 15 years ago. She has spoken at the Marche de Film in Cannes Film Festival, Durban Film Festival and supported the 1st 17 strong Black delegation of filmmakers by the BFI to Berlinale in 2020. She is constantly speaking on panels and teaches workshops globally for those wanting to understand the business of film from script to screen. With her knowledge of film and connections globally she has now created the ‘Know Your Power’ which supports creatives and companies with project analysis and 1-1 in person and online access to professionals such as herself, heavily discounted so it can be accessed by low income filmmakers. She had her first in-house Award winning film ‘Two Graves’ bought by Netflix. She has worked on numerous other European films as a producer and line-producer. In 2020 under covid protocol she produced the ‘Black British Theatre Awards’ alongside Kwame Kwei-Armah for Sky Arts. She continues to work at her companies Ida Rose & The Culture Collective on a diverse slate of films, series, documentaries and digital projects. She is the only candidate that has been awarded two funds via the UK Global Screen Fund Co Production /International Business awards. She is a Breakthrough Leader & Bafta Elevate alumni

Victoria Thomas

Producer Polkadot Factory

Victoria Thomas trained as a lawyer before branching out as a Producer working across docs and fiction, specialising in international co-productions between Europe and Sub Saharan Africa. She founded Scotland's first black owned/led production company in 2010, producing global co-productions, screening at festivals and on TV. Victoria has premiered at the BFI Festival as a writer and director and has won awards and sat on global boards and worked at some of the top UK schools such as MET Film School. Victoria is a trailblazer and ignites fires everywhere she goes, bringing independent producers together globally.

Karl Hillbrick

Producer InFilmPact

Karl Hillbrick is an Australian impact producer working across film, documentary, and series, based between Berlin, London, and Canberra. Through his company Infilmpact, he develops, co-produces, and consults on international productions and brand activations. His slate includes the documentary Our Colors Never Fade, the French-scripted feature Le Coeur du Pélican, and Miklós, a historical drama based on a Hungarian boy’s 1956 exfiltration. He also produces industry events such as AfroBerlin at Berlinale’s EFM and AfroCannes, championing inclusive storytelling and global film equity.

Moses Babatope

Group CEO, Nile Media Entertainment Group

A leading figure in the Nigerian film industry. With over 20 years of experience, he is widely regarded for his pioneering work in film distribution, exhibition, and production. Pioneering the global distribution and exhibition of African films. he has played a pivotal role in transforming Nollywood and bringing African films to global audiences. Babatope has produced and executive produced more than 40 of Nollywood's biggest titles, contributing to the industry's growth and international recognition.

Esse Akwawa

CEO & Co-Founder Webek Studios

With over a decade of experience in film and television production, Esse Akwawa is a visionary media executive, producer, and director dedicated to shaping the future of African storytelling. As the CEO and Co-founder of Webek Studios, she leads a dynamic team committed to producing high-quality content and fostering strategic global partnerships. Prior to founding Webek Studios, Esse was the Head of Accelerate Studios, where she spearheaded the creation of compelling content that resonated deeply with audiences. During her tenure, she produced several acclaimed projects, including The Decolonisation of Africa, a documentary featuring former Nigerian President Olusegun Obasanjo. Her work at Accelerate Studios solidified her reputation as a media strategist with a keen eye for impactful storytelling. Esse’s impressive portfolio includes All’s Fair in Love (Prime Video), The Order of Things (Netflix), Shadows, The Olive (Seasons 1 & 2), and Clinically Speaking. Her work reflects a deep commitment to authentic narratives that engage both local and global audiences, positioning Webek Studios as a powerhouse in film, television, and digital media. Under her leadership, Webek Studios continues to push the boundaries of content creation, championing African stories and expanding its influence in the global entertainment industry..

Edith Nwekenta

Creative Director/ Co- Founder, Webek Studios

Edith Nwekenta is an award-winning Producer & Director in Film, TV and commercials working across the UK and Nigeria. She has worked at Channel 4, BBC, MTV Base and is an alumna of Identity School of Acting. As Creative Director at WEBEK Studios, she drives the studio’s content strategy and creative direction, ensuring impactful storytelling that resonates globally. She co-wrote and produced Mum, Dad, Meet Sam, which premiered in Nigeria in 2015 and later streamed on Netflix for two years. She also co-produced the award-winning short film Prey (2015). Her credits include directing The Olive (Season 2, Accelerate TV) and producing The Order of Things (Netflix) and Shaping Us. Her latest directorial work, The Screen Test, is currently on the festival circuit, further cementing her reputation for compelling and authentic storytelling. With over 15 years of experience, Edith values collaboration, believing that people are your greatest resource. At WEBEK Studios, she is committed to capturing the richness and diversity of African culture, ensuring stories from the continent connect with audiences worldwide.

Kemi Lala Akindoju

Producer/Casting Director/Actor/ Founder/CEO, The Make It Happen Productions

With resounding experience as an actor, and a growing experience as a director and producer; Lala now runs The Make It Happen Productions which is a production company targeted at telling African stories through all mediums; especially film, television and stage. She produced The V-Monologues in May 2013, worked as the casting director and associate producer with Ndani TV for 'Gidi Up' and played the lead role in Tunde Kelani's Dazzling Mirage. Lala is the convener of Open Mic Theatre, a hub for actors to bond and network and a one-stop shop for fresh talent. She is also passionate about changing the world and has become a global shaper with the World Economic Forum. She has since been selected to attend the summits in Addis-Ababa and Davos and the US.

Ronya Man

Director/Producer/Actress/Acting Coach RMA Productions & Training

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Toyosi Etim-Effiong

CEO, That Good Media

Toyosi Etim-Effiong is a distinguished media executive who is bridging the gap between Nollywood and the global film and TV industry. With almost 10 years of multifaceted expe- rience in the media industry, she possesses the vital exposure and skills needed to drive media-related and experiential projects, as well as develop communication strategies for personal and corporate brands. She is a go-to personality and brand for anyone seeking to connect with key players in the media and entertainment industry on the African conti- nent. As the founder and CEO of That Good Media, a media solutions company with a Talent Management as well as an International Partnerships division, Toyosi has successfully posi- tioned herself as a leading expert in the African movie industry. Given her experience and expertise gained through various roles in the thriving Nollywood industry, she possesses the necessary skills and knowledge to facilitate international part- nerships with investors on a global scale. Her comprehensive understanding of Nollywood, one of the fastest-growing film industries in the world, producing over 1,800 movies annu- ally and generating over $1 billion in revenue, gives her a competitive advantage as a pro- fessional and practitioner. Notably, Nollywood is the second-largest film industry in the world, after India's Bollywood, with a rapidly increasing number of high-quality produc- tions gaining international recognition, including Oscar nominations. The African Film and TV landscape holds immense potential for growth and presents exciting opportunities for collaboration/partnerships with international players.

Kachi Offiah

Creative Director, Kavita Live

Kachi Offiah is a dynamic media professional, storyteller, and creative strategist with a passion for bridging local narratives with global conversations. With a keen eye for impactful storytelling and a commitment to journalistic integrity, With a background as an entertainment and lifestyle journalist, Kachi has built a career as a results-oriented producer with more than eight years in the media industry, beginning as an intern at 99.9 Kiss FM Abuja. She currently serves as a producer and presenter on Arise News, where her work has taken her to international events like the Oscars and Met Gala, capturing global entertainment milestones. In addition to her television presence, Kachi is a sought-after master of ceremonies for corporate and social events. She draws on her journalistic experience to create authentic connections with audiences, making each event memorable. She also serves on the board of Kavita, a media and communication company she founded, dedicated to telling impactful stories, establishing supportive structures for creatives and providing balanced views on global issues. As the driving force behind Kavita Live, a subsidiary of Kavita, Kachi leads a media platform that delivers exclusive coverage of high-profile cultural, entertainment, and industry events. Kachi holds an LLB in Law and is currently pursuing an LLM, bringing a unique perspective to her media work that balances legal insight with creative vision..