The AMVCA Young Filmmakers’ Day 2026 brought together creativity, ambition, and raw storytelling from the next generation of African filmmakers. As a key segment of the Africa Magic Viewers’ Choice Awards, the event spotlighted emerging voices shaping the future of film through bold ideas and authentic narratives.
The compere, Isabela Adediji, energised the audience and kept the programme engaging from start to finish. AMVCA executives also attended, reinforcing the importance of the platform and ensuring a memorable experience for young filmmakers.
Akaoma Onyeonoru, Academic Director of the Africa Magic Multi-Talented Factory, opened the event with a compelling address. She highlighted the importance of structured training and mentorship in transforming raw talent into industry-ready professionals. 
Chidinma Asohuh, Brand Manager at MTN, encouraged filmmakers to tell stories that inspire and reflect Africa’s cultural identity. She emphasised that storytelling remains a powerful tool for influence and connection.
Tamara Adeyemi, Media Advisory Cambridge Growth Partners, shared practical insights on the power of strong storytelling and advised filmmakers on how to position themselves effectively to attract investors which is one of the challenges young filmmakers face.
MTN Rewards Young Filmmakers with Millions of Naira
MTN delivered one of the most exciting highlights of the day by awarding millions of naira to young filmmakers who participated in the “Best Short Film” challenge. This initiative not only recognised excellence but also empowered emerging creatives and amplified storytelling talent across Nigeria.
Orire Nwani’s and Uche Jombo Powerful Masterclass on Audacity, Consistency and Action
Award-winning director Orire Nwani inspired attendees with a powerful session on intentionality and consistency in filmmaking. He described filmmaking as serious business and stressed that talent alone does not guarantee success.
Nwani pointed out that many talented individuals remain undiscovered because they hesitate to take action. He urged filmmakers to create consistently and pursue opportunities actively.
Nwani also described filmmaking as a lucrative venture, stating that “creativity flows in the direction of money.” He shared how his dedication on set in 2020, particularly during behind-the-scenes work, led to his involvement in the King of Boys documentary by Kemi Adetiba.
His session resonated deeply with the audience and left a lasting impression on aspiring filmmakers.
Veteran actress Uche Jombo also delivered a compelling message, urging filmmakers to build strong communities, remain consistent, and stay audacious. She encouraged them to leverage social media by creating monologues and original content to showcase their talent.
READ ALSO: ‘Talent Can Take You Far But Character Sustains You’- Uche Jombo at AMVCA Young Fimmakers’ Day
Industry Experts Break Down the Role of AI in Filmmaking
The Johnnie Walker brand hosted a thought-provoking session featuring Stan Nze, Abiodun Odu, and Amarachukwu Onoh, who explored the impact of artificial intelligence in filmmaking.
The speakers emphasised that filmmakers must first understand the fundamentals of storytelling before integrating AI into their work. They noted that while AI enhances efficiency, it lacks human emotion, which remains essential for meaningful storytelling.
Amarachukwu Onoh, recognised for his role in Oloture, stated that AI is here to stay and encouraged Nollywood creatives to embrace it strategically. He explained that using the right prompts can significantly improve creative output.
Abiodun Odu described AI as a tool that can supercharge creativity. He shared how he uses it for prompts and creative direction, particularly in developing story ideas.
Stan Nze advised filmmakers to prioritise proper training and a strong understanding of the craft. He stressed that AI should support, not replace, human creativity, and warned against producing content that feels robotic. He encouraged filmmakers to remain intentional about connecting with audiences through authentic storytelling.
The AMVCA Young Filmmakers’ Day 2026 successfully delivered inspiration, practical knowledge, and real opportunities to young filmmakers in the Industry.
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