Nollywood leaders and top Chinese film executives have announced a strategic alliance that aims to create a direct commercial theatrical pathway between Nigeria and China, with the goal of reducing reliance on Western distribution channels. The initiative was launched at the China Cultural Centre in Abuja during the opening of the Chinese Film Exhibition in Nigeria 2026, which was hosted alongside the 23rd Abuja International Film Festival (AIFF).
Fidelis Duker, founder of the festival, said that combining Nollywood’s storytelling energy with China’s technical infrastructure, capital and distribution expertise could open up great possibilities for both industries. He explained that talks with the Chinese delegation centred on production, distribution and co-production, and that the delegation plans to meet distributors and cinema operators in Lagos. He stressed that the deal goes beyond screening rights because it also aims to build the capacity of young Nigerians in film.
Yang Jianxing, Director of the China Cultural Centre in Nigeria, described film as an important bridge for understanding between the two countries and said the partnership fits within China’s Global Civilisation Initiative. The Chinese delegation, led by Bai Yimin, Chairman of Huaxia Film Distribution Company Limited, called recent cooperation in film a bright chapter in cultural exchange and promised continued support from the Chinese Embassy and the China Cultural Centre for initiatives that connect audiences through cinema.
The scale of the Chinese market is a major part of the appeal. Figures from the China Film Administration show that China earned ¥51.832 billion at the box office in 2025, recorded 1.238 billion cinema admissions and ended the year with 93,187 screens, with domestic productions taking nearly 80 per cent of ticket sales. The festival received 10 Chinese film entries this year, five of them nominated for awards, and Duker noted that Chinese films have appeared in 22 of its 23 editions.
The announcement builds on an agreement signed in August 2026 between the Nigerian Television Authority and China Movie Channel, which covers co-production, technology transfer, professional training and wider distribution of creative content. The main challenge, according to the reports, is turning goodwill into financed co-productions, because filmmakers on both sides will still need distribution partners, subtitling and dubbing, marketing support, clear licensing arrangements and investment structures that protect their interests.
