SAG-AFTRA: Nollywood and Hollywood Forge New Alliances at AGN International Festival in Los Angeles
The Nigerian movie industry achieved a significant milestone at the 2nd edition of the Actors Guild of Nigeria (AGN) International Festival, themed “Nollywood Meets Hollywood,” held at Dream Magic Studio in Los Angeles recently. The event was a glamorous affair, attended by representatives from SAG-AFTRA, casting directors, top entertainment impresarios, and the Nigerian community in Hollywood.
In a notable effort to bridge cultural and cinematic divides, the President of the AGN, Chief Emeka Rollas, led a delegation of Guild members to the Los Angeles headquarters of SAG-AFTRA for a groundbreaking meeting with top management of the Screen Actors Guild-American Federation of Television and Radio Artists (SAG-AFTRA). 
A statement signed by Amb. Cornell Udofia, the Spokesman for the National President of AGN, noted that the strategic visit aimed to foster collaboration and twinning arrangements between the AGN and SAG-AFTRA, focusing on integrating Nollywood into SAG-AFTRA’s casting and production networks, thereby paving the way for increased global representation and diversity.
Discussions during the meeting centered on creating casting opportunities for Nigerian actors in international productions, collaborating on joint projects that showcase the richness of Nigerian culture and talent, and exchanging knowledge and expertise to enhance industry standards and professionalism.
The meeting also addressed establishing frameworks for royalties, residuals, and standard contracts, as well as facilitating the global distribution of Nollywood content to broader audiences worldwide.
This potential partnership promises mutual benefits for both industries, including enriching both industries with diverse perspectives and storytelling, creating new opportunities for actors, producers, and filmmakers, and showcasing African talent and narratives to global audiences.
The statement added that the visit to SAG-AFTRA marks a significant step towards forging a robust alliance between Nollywood and the American entertainment industry.
As discussions progress, the stage is set for a new era of creative collaboration, paving the way for increased global recognition and celebration of Nigerian talent.
Dr. Emeka Rollas, MON, National President of the AGN, in the statement, described the historic meeting with SAG-AFTRA as a major breakthrough for Nollywood. “We’re eager to explore opportunities for growth, cultural exchange, and mutual benefit, solidifying our industry’s position on the global stage.”
Will Benssusen, Chief Administrative Officer and General Counsel of SAG-AFTRA, pledged continued support for the AGN, ensuring that members gain access to Hollywood, given the abundance of acting talent in Nollywood.
As the partnership unfolds, the world can expect exciting collaborations, fresh perspectives, and captivating storytelling from the vibrant fusion of Nollywood and American cinema.
The gala night was also attended by notable Nollywood stars from Nigeria, including Walta Anga, Lurchy Donald, the Aneke twins, Georgina Ibe, Ifeoma Okeke, Kemi Adekomi, Brown Eneh, and many others.
The Street Reporters Newspaper reports that the festival aims to ensure that business opportunities in the film industry are uniquely accessed by all, fostering broader collaboration between filmmakers and actors to benefit from global creative opportunities.
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