By Johnson Adebowale
The Nigerian International Film Summit (NIFS) in Lagos turned into a defining moment for African cinema recently as Trino Motion Pictures announced the launch of its content acquisition and sales division – a groundbreaking initiative aimed at amplifying African voices on the global stage.
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For Uche Okocha, managing director of Trino Motion Pictures, the unveiling was more than a business move. It was a rallying call.
“This is not just a business expansion,” Okocha declared to an audience of producers, distributors, and film lovers. “It is a mission, a calling, and a movement. African stories are not just underrepresented globally; they are undervalued. Our job is to change that.”
The new division will focus on sourcing content from independent producers and emerging filmmakers across Africa while providing international representation and distribution. By building strong sales infrastructure, Trino hopes to connect local talent with global audiences, bridging a gap that has long hindered African cinema.
Okocha emphasized that Trino’s approach is rooted in collaboration, not competition.
“We are not here to compete with existing distributors. We are here to widen the highway, not reinvent the wheel,” he said, drawing nods of approval from industry stakeholders.
The evening also celebrated another milestone: the graduation of the pioneer cohort of the International Sales and Distribution Executives (ISDE) programme, created by Trino in partnership with NIFS. Twelve graduates completed intensive training in sales, licensing, and distribution—skills long in short supply within the industry.
“It’s one of the best platforms in the country,” said graduate Daleshawn Butler. “The training has opened doors for us, and we are grateful.”
Highlighting the importance of continuous learning, Ms. Ijeoma Onah, Founder of NIFS, announced plans to sponsor five participants for advanced training in France this year and to support eight sound engineers with international placements. “We must continue to build skills and knowledge if Africa’s entertainment industry is to truly thrive,” she affirmed.
Trino Motion Pictures has long built its reputation as a creative powerhouse, with a script library, a network of more than 400 writers, and access to state-of-the-art production facilities. Now, with the Content Acquisition and Sales Division, the company positions itself as both a hub of creativity and a global connector.
From Lagos to Los Angeles, Accra to Amsterdam, Nairobi to New York—the message was clear: African cinema is ready to take its rightful place on every screen.
As the night wound down with laughter, clinking glasses, and earnest conversations, one sentiment lingered: African storytelling is no longer asking for a seat at the table—it is preparing to host.
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