In a vibrant celebration of cross-cultural cinema at Toronto’s iconic CBC Glenn Gould Studio, Nollywood star Omoni Oboli and Canadian filmmaking trailblazer Patricia Bebia officially unveiled NicaPro, a dynamic production house poised to revolutionize storytelling between Nigeria and Canada. This ambitious venture, launched on October 14, 2025, also introduced the Future Reel Network, a nonprofit arm dedicated to empowering women in film through hands-on training, mentorship programs, and international partnerships.
The Visionaries Behind the Venture
Omoni Oboli, a multifaceted force in Nollywood as an actor, writer, director, and producer, has long been a global ambassador for African narratives. Her blockbuster hits like Okafor’s Law (which debuted at the Toronto International Film Festival) and Wives on Strike have earned critical acclaim, while Love in Every Word shattered records with over 28 million YouTube views — making it Nollywood’s top digital sensation. Oboli’s channels boast more than 350 million cumulative views, underscoring her digital dominance.
Teaming up with her is Patricia Bebia, a powerhouse Canadian director and producer whose debut feature The Life Coach swept 16 awards and screened across North America and the Caribbean. As president of Diamond Plus Media and executive vice president of Afroglobal Television — Canada’s premier Black-owned network — Bebia has championed diverse voices and cultural exchanges for years.
What NicaPro Promises
NicaPro isn’t just a company; it’s a strategic pipeline for six feature films over the next three years, fusing Nollywood’s energetic storytelling with Canada’s technical precision and production expertise. “Our stories deserve the world, and the world deserves our stories,” Bebia declared at the launch. “NicaPro builds that essential bridge, blending creativity with excellence to captivate audiences everywhere.”
Complementing this is the Future Reel Network, tackling gender imbalances in the industry head-on. By offering workshops, cross-border collaborations, and leadership opportunities, it aims to level the playing field for female filmmakers. “We’re forging real pathways for women to thrive,” Oboli emphasized. “Talent knows no borders, but access often does.”
Industry Praise and Broader Impact
The initiative has garnered enthusiastic support from key figures. Joan Jenkinson, Executive Director of the Black Screen Office, described NicaPro as “a masterful plan for interconnected narratives, achieving more together than apart.” Veteran producer Jennifer Holness called it “a game-changing milestone for global screens,” while The Honourable Dr. Jean Augustine highlighted its role in “bolstering cultural bonds and unlocking worldwide potential.” Ambassador Dr. Queen Blessing Ebigieson, President of Nigeria’s Association of Movie Producers, sees it as a catalyst: “This paves the way for a full Nigeria-Canada co-production treaty, opening markets and strengthening alliances.”
This partnership transcends film production — it’s a form of creative diplomacy, fostering economic ties, amplifying underrepresented voices, and setting a precedent for international co-productions. As NicaPro gears up for its first slate, it signals a bolder, more inclusive future for cinema, where African vibrancy meets Canadian innovation to craft stories that unite the globe.
