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Abba T. Makama outlines Surreal16 plans for a film lab, monthly screenings, filmmaker training, production and broader distribution across Nigerian cinema.
Abba T. Makama is looking beyond individual film productions as Surreal16 develops plans for a broader creative ecosystem serving independent Nigerian filmmakers. The proposed expansion brings training, exhibition, production and distribution into one vision—areas that can determine whether emerging talent finds a sustainable path from learning the craft to reaching audiences.
In an interview with The Nollywood Reporter, Makama outlined initiatives intended to strengthen Surreal16’s role within Nigerian cinema. They include a film lab, monthly screenings with the Goethe-Institut and a distribution partnership with the Nigerian Television Authority.
Building infrastructure around independent filmmaking
The plans suggest an effort to address several stages of the filmmaking journey rather than concentrating only on production. A film lab could create space for creative development and practical guidance, while regular screenings would give filmmakers another setting in which to present and discuss their work.
The proposed NTA partnership is equally notable. Distribution remains a major challenge for independent filmmakers, particularly when projects sit outside conventional commercial formulas. Access to an established television network could potentially extend the reach of selected work beyond festival spaces and limited theatrical opportunities.
Makama’s longer-term ambitions include S16 Films, envisioned as a production arm, and an S16 Centre. According to the interview, the centre is planned to contain a film institute, school, cinema, café, shop and library. If developed as described, it would combine education, exhibition and community-building under one roof.
Silence Is Loud reflects a development-focused approach
Makama’s latest short film, Silence Is Loud, was produced through the Àjose initiative. The project addresses bullying, sex education and reproductive health, placing socially relevant subjects at the centre of its storytelling.
Tapsy Gomwalk and Dika Ofoma wrote the screenplay, while Uzoamaka Power and Sapphire Ekeng are among the cast. The film provides a current example of the kind of work connected to Makama’s wider interest in nurturing ideas and creating opportunities around socially conscious cinema.
For Nollywood, Surreal16’s plans matter because a thriving film culture requires more than completed movies. It also depends on training spaces, reliable exhibition channels, production support and routes to audiences. Makama’s proposed infrastructure could help connect those elements while giving independent Nigerian filmmakers more room to experiment, develop and distribute their work.
Join the conversation
Which part of Surreal16’s proposed expansion—a film lab, regular screenings, production support or wider distribution—could make the greatest difference for independent Nigerian filmmakers?
Share your thoughts in the comments below.
Sources
Source links used to research and verify this article:
The Nollywood Reporter
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