FilmOne Entertainment has emerged as the only Nigerian company selected among six African buyers for the inaugural Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF), placing Nollywood at the centre of a new global platform for film trade and distribution.
The Nigerian film distribution and entertainment company joined more than 130 buyers from 49 countries at the market, which ran from September 10 to 16 alongside the 51st Toronto International Film Festival.
FilmOne’s selection puts Nigeria in the company of established international film businesses seeking new content, acquisition opportunities and distribution partnerships in one of the world’s major entertainment markets.
The five other African companies selected were Filmfinity, Sun Africa Group, Forefront Media Group and Digicine Motion Pictures/Studios, all from South Africa, as well as Tunisia’s Hakka Distribution.
For FilmOne, participation in the new market provided an opportunity to engage directly with international sellers and industry stakeholders over the acquisition of films and the development of distribution partnerships.
The company said Nollywood was central to its discussions in Toronto as it seeks to create wider international opportunities for Nigerian and African films.
The company’s presence also extended to the official programming of TIFF with FilmOne Chief Content Officer, Ladun Awobokun, speaking at a panel titled “Securing the Bag: Sales & Distribution for Black Film & Television.”
The panel examined the business of commercialising, selling and distributing Black and African film and television content to audiences around the world.
FilmOne also hosted its own market event in Toronto, bringing together industry stakeholders for discussions around African cinema and opportunities in international markets.
The development comes as Nollywood continues to attract international attention, with Nigerian films increasingly seeking audiences beyond Africa through cinemas, streaming platforms and international distribution networks.
For Nigerian filmmakers and distributors, however, global visibility needs to translate into sustainable commercial opportunities, including acquisition deals, licensing agreements, theatrical releases and partnerships that can expand the reach of African stories.
Therefore, the Market represents more than a festival appearance. It places a Nigerian film company directly in an international marketplace where content is bought, sold and positioned for audiences across different territories.
Earlier while announcing its participation, FilmOne said: “Nigeria has a seat at the table.”
“From September 10 to 16 in Toronto, we’re here to buy, to build, and to keep opening the door wider for African cinema.”
The company operates Filmhouse Cinemas and is involved in film production and distribution, handling both Nigerian and international titles for African audiences.
The Market further underscores the growing effort within Nigeria’s film industry to strengthen the business side of Nollywood and establish stronger pathways for Nigerian stories to compete for audiences and commercial opportunities in the global film market.
