By Sunday Oyinloye
The future of global storytelling has taken a center stage at CBC Television’s Glenn Gould Studio, Canada as two powerhouse filmmakers, Omoni Oboli and Patricia Bebia unveiled NicaPro and the Future Reel Network, twin initiatives uniting Nollywood’s vibrancy with Canada’s creative and technical excellence.
In a Press Release made available to Green Savannah Diplomatic Cable by Diamond Plus Media, Toronto Canada, the two visionaries are breaking new ground with NicaPro, a production company that will produce six feature films over the next three years, merging African creativity with Canadian artistry to create stories that move hearts, challenge perceptions, and unite audiences worldwide.
According to Patricia 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 audience”.
Alongside NicaPro, the duo also launched the Future Reel Network, a not-for-profit initiative dedicated to mentorship, training, and international collaboration for women filmmakers across Canada, Nigeria, and beyond.
Also speaking about what the world should expect, Omoni Oboli said: “Through the Future Reel Network, we’re creating pathways for women to learn, collaborate, and lead because talent is universal but opportunity is not.”
Industry leaders are excited about the project which they see as a visionary model for cultural diplomacy and economic collaboration through film.
“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,” said Joan Jenkinson, Executive Director of the Black Screen Office.
Also commending the initiative, a former Canadian cabinet minister and longtime champion of diversity and inclusion, Dr. Jean Augustine said the groundbreaking collaboration would strengthen cultural ties, drives opportunity, and inspires equity on a global scale
Veteran Canadian filmmaker Jennifer Holness praised the partnership as a transformative moment for the global screen industry.
In her words: “I have been working in the industry for years, and I must say that nothing has excited me more than this. It embodies the spirit of innovation and international partnership that will define the next era of filmmaking.”
Amb. Dr. Queen Blessing Ebigieson, President, Association of Movie Producers, Nigeria has this to say about the collaboration: “I am thrilled to see this collaboration. We look forward to a comprehensive Nigeria-Canada treaty. This collaboration is a powerful step toward a co-production treaty that unlocks opportunities, expands markets, and deepens ties”.
Others in the entertainment industry see the launch of NicaPro and the Future Reel Network stands as a bold declaration that storytelling knows no borders. It celebrates the power of women’s leadership, international partnership, and authentic voices shaping a more inclusive global film industry.
