The Lagos State Government has reaffirmed its commitment to promoting responsible, culturally grounded, and globally competitive filmmaking, emphasising policies that balance creativity with compliance and cultural integrity.
Eko Hot News reports that this renewed commitment was highlighted during the Lagos State Film and Video Censors Board (LSFVCB) Stakeholders’ Conference held on Thursday, November 20, 2025, at the ASSBIFI Event Centre, Ikeja. The event brought together filmmakers, regulators, industry experts, content creators, and investors to discuss the evolving landscape of film production in Africa’s largest creative hub.
Representing the Honourable Commissioner for Tourism, Arts and Culture, Mrs Toke Benson-Awoyinka, the Permanent Secretary, Mrs Adebopo Oyekan-Ismaila, underscored the significance of strengthened collaboration between regulators and practitioners. She explained that this year’s theme—“Navigating the Future of Film: Balancing Creativity, Compliance and Cultural Integrity”—captures the critical discussions shaping the future of filmmaking in Lagos State.
According to the Commissioner, Lagos recognises the creative sector as a powerful driver of tourism, youth empowerment, job creation, cultural preservation, and broad-based economic development. She stated that the government remains intentional about supporting creatives, noting that the creative economy has become a dynamic force for social cohesion and prosperity.
Mrs Benson-Awoyinka reiterated that the Lagos State Film and Video Censors Board plays a pivotal role in safeguarding societal values, particularly in protecting children and vulnerable audiences. She clarified that regulatory compliance should be viewed as a tool for enhancing the quality and integrity of content—not as a barrier to innovation.
“Compliance is not designed to hinder creativity,” she said. “It enhances quality, ensures safety, and protects the integrity of the stories we share with the world. A film industry that is innovative yet responsible—bold yet culturally grounded—is the Lagos we envision.”
She encouraged stakeholders across the creative ecosystem—producers, directors, writers, cinematographers, and digital creators—to contribute through continuous dialogue, policy engagement, and collaborative efforts that support long-term industry growth. She commended the leadership of LSFVCB for advancing professionalism and strengthening regulatory frameworks.
In her address, the Executive Secretary of the LSFVCB, Mrs Bukola Agbaminoja, highlighted the Board’s transformation into a future-ready regulatory institution. She disclosed several key achievements, including strengthened partnerships with film academies for capacity building, targeted funding support for emerging filmmakers, and an expanded welfare structure through a partnership with the Lagos State Health Management Agency (LASHMA), ensuring affordable healthcare access for practitioners.
Mrs Agbaminoja stressed that the Board is evolving beyond the traditional role of regulation to become a development-oriented institution geared toward empowering talent and positioning Lagos as Africa’s premier creative hub.
A major highlight of the conference was the series of panel discussions where industry leaders explored critical topics such as distribution challenges, ethical storytelling, child protection in film content, multi-sector collaboration, and the incorporation of technology into modern filmmaking. Participants also identified the need for policy harmonisation and clearer regulatory structures, especially in light of rapid digital transformation.
Discussions touched on improving infrastructure for Lagos filmmakers, expanding global opportunities, and fostering an environment where creativity can thrive within culturally respectful boundaries.
At the end of the conference, a communiqué was adopted, reaffirming the collective resolve of the government and practitioners to build a film ecosystem anchored on creativity, responsibility, and cultural preservation. Stakeholders praised the Lagos State Government for its continued support of the industry and called for deeper collaboration to keep Lagos positioned as Africa’s creative powerhouse.
The Lagos State Government, in closing, reaffirmed its readiness to work closely with guilds, associations, investors, and the wider filmmaking community to build a vibrant, ethical, and internationally competitive film industry—one that proudly reflects Lagos’ cultural values while embracing future-forward innovation.
