Nigeria's film village movement has gained momentum with the unveiling of the Okiki Films Village in Ibadan, a seven-acre production space developed by Sunday Esan. Located in Akinyele Local Government Area, the facility features traditional mud houses and symbolic architecture to recreate pre-colonial African settings. The project aims to support epic, historically rooted productions and preserve indigenous storytelling traditions.
The launch has drawn attention across the Yoruba film industry, with actors and filmmakers hailing it as another step toward building dedicated creative spaces that reflect African identity on screen. The unveiling of Sunday Esan's film village shows growing progress in Nigeria's film sector, with a shift away from improvised locations toward purpose-built environments.
In Oyo State, a clear cluster is forming, driven by available land, strong Yoruba cultural settings, lower production costs, and closeness to talent in Lagos. Filmmakers are creating complete film locations, where filming, training, relaxation, and culture all come together.
KAP Film Village and Resort, developed by filmmaker Kunle Afolayan, has become the most fully realised expression of Nigeria's film village concept. Located in Igbojaye, the facility functions as both a film production hub and a luxury resort, blending natural landscapes with constructed sets.
Africhatta Film Village, owned by actor Ibrahim Chatta, represents a more culturally anchored approach to the film village model. Spanning approximately 74 acres, Chatta invested over ₦1.4 billion in the film village, featuring purpose-built village sets reflecting indigenous architecture and leisure amenities.
The emergence of Oyo State as the hub for Nigeria's film village movement is a significant development that underscores the potential for creative industries to drive economic growth and cultural preservation. With the likes of KAP Film Village and Africhatta Film Village leading the way, Oyo State is poised to become the backlot capital of Nigeria's film sector. This growth has the potential to create jobs, stimulate local economies, and showcase African stories on the global stage. The success of these film villages also highlights the importance of preserving indigenous cultural heritage and storytelling traditions. As Nigeria's film industry continues to evolve, it will be crucial to support initiatives that promote cultural preservation and economic development.
