Hollywood meets Nollywood: a revolutionary fusion of black creativity and culture

The Black History and Lifestyle Award (BHLA)in partnership with the American Embassy and the American Business Council of Nigeria (ABC)organized a remarkable event on October 9, 2024, titled “An interactive session with Hollywood and Nollywood.” This momentous gathering brought together the best creatives from both industries, sparking new collaborations and celebrating innovation within Africa’s thriving entertainment scene.

The evening began with lively networking over light refreshments, followed by an engaging session moderated by MC Layole Oyatogun. Attendees included industry leaders, guild representatives and sponsors such as PwC, Wema Bank and Radisson Hotel. Founder of BHLA, Eziada Folashade Balogunin his opening speech, highlighted the critical importance of fostering collaboration between African and American creatives.

“We are here today not only to discuss, but to act – to build something lasting that will push the boundaries of what African and American creatives can achieve together,” she said, setting the tone of an inspiring evening.

A global call for collaboration
Julia P. McKaypublic affairs officer at the US Consulate in Lagos, hailed the Nigerian creative industry for its global impact and encouraged local talents to exploit mentorship, funding and training opportunities through US platforms.

Marguerite OléléCEO of the American Business Council Nigeria, highlighted the socio-economic impact of Nigeria’s creative sector, highlighting how collaboration with US industries could further strengthen ties and enhance the cultural landscapes of both countries.

Esiri Agbeyipartner at PwC Nigeria, spoke about the economic growth potential of Nigeria’s creative sector, calling for diversification beyond oil revenues.

“By leveraging Nigeria’s rich creative potential, we can unlock new growth opportunities, attract foreign investment and create a sustainable future,” she noted.

Spotlight on Hollywood Expertise
Hollywood’s creative prowess was highlighted by guest speakers including Fowzi Abdelsamadwriter, director and producer, who shared his journey from basketball to film, encouraging creatives to fully express their imagination.

Acclaimed actor and producer Lee Sherman highlighted the power of authentic storytelling, calling for closer collaboration between Hollywood and Nollywood to bring underrepresented voices to the global stage. Screenwriter and producer Jeffrey Relf praised the BHLA’s dedication to amplifying Black narratives, stating:

“By creating authentic stories, we build a cultural bridge that connects us across continents. »

The event also explored the intersection of technology and creativity, with Temi AfolabiGlobal Expansion Team Manager for Xbox, explaining how advances in AI and other tools can elevate the African creative industry to a global level.

The evening culminated with exciting announcements regarding future collaborations, including a feature film titled Birthrightintended to foster cultural exchange and artistic innovation during Black History Month in Los Angeles.

Nollywood icon Paul Obazélé closed the event, thanking the speakers, organizers and sponsors for their invaluable contributions, thereby reinforcing the limitless potential of the union of Hollywood and Nollywood.

Call for screenplay submissions
BHLA is now accepting script submissions for the highly anticipated 2025 film and play, which will be produced in collaboration with acclaimed Hollywood producers and directors Lee Sherman, Jeffrey Relf and Fowzi Abdelsamad. This project presents a unique opportunity for international recognition and creative synergy between Nollywood and Hollywood.

Submission Guidelines:

Deadline: November 30, 2024
Format: Original scripts for a film or play, following industry standard formats.
Submission: All scripts must be submitted electronically using this link. Please save your script as “Film and Play Submission 2025 – (Your Name). »

We look for bold, original stories that reflect diverse perspectives and can resonate with local and global audiences. This is your chance to work alongside some of Hollywood’s most innovative minds and showcase your talent on an international platform.
For more information, please contact the BHLA team at:

Telephone (United States): +1 844-417-2452
E-mail: (email protected)
Telephone (Nigeria): +234 903 661 2236
E-mail: (email protected)
Website: blackhistoryandlifestyle.com

We look forward to receiving your submissions and can’t wait to see how your creative visions will shape this extraordinary project.

About BHLA
The Black History and Lifestyle Award (BHLA) celebrates Black excellence by fostering collaborations across creative sectors. By connecting African and American talents, BHLA pushes the boundaries of innovation, promoting cultural diversity and artistic success.