By Benjamin Njoku
Nollywood actress and producer Etta JoMaria has been named one of seven finalists for the British Council Film Lab Africa 2 Producers Lab. She was selected from a competitive pool of over 1,000 applications across the continent.
Delivered in partnership with EbonyLife Creative Academy and Iconic Steps, the Producers Lab is a core part of Film Lab Africa 2, the British Council’s flagship film and television accelerator. The programme is designed to equip emerging African filmmakers with practical training, mentorship, and support to develop original screen projects.
For Etta, the selection has been both validating and transformative.
“Being selected from over 1,000 applications was already a huge encouragement for me,” she said.
“But the real value has been everything I’ve learned. It has challenged me to look at producing beyond the administrative side and understand the producer as someone who is deeply involved in shaping the story and the creative vision.”
According to her, the programme has also strengthened her confidence in collaborating with writers, directors, and other creatives.
“I’ve gained a much deeper understanding of creative producing, from shaping a story and working closely with a creative team to navigating the practical, strategic and collaborative demands of bringing a project from development to the screen,” she added.
“It has made me more confident in the decisions I make as a producer and more intentional about the kind of stories I want to tell.”
Etta noted that one of her biggest takeaways is seeing the producer as both a creative and strategic force. “You have to understand the story, the audience, the team and the realities of production, and find a way to bring all those elements together. That is something I will continue to carry with me beyond this programme,” she said. The experience has also reinforced her commitment to developing stories that reflect African realities while connecting with global audiences.
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