The Reel Connections Summit
A Summit for Creative Collaboration
- NOVEMBER, 2025.
- Atlanta, Georgia
ABOUT THIS EVENT
The New Era of Collaboration
The Reel Connections Summit aims to create a unique platform for collaboration and knowledge exchange between Nollywood and diverse movie clusters such as Hollywood, Bollywood and the English, Canadian and European Film Industries.
Where
Atlanta, Georgia
When
NOVEMBER 10-12, 2025
Summit Objectives
Foster Collaboration
Facilitate partnerships between Nollywood and the Summit Nation to create coproductions that harness the unique strengths of both industries.
Promote Cultural Exchange
Encourage the sharing of diverse narratives, storytelling traditions, and filmmaking techniques to enrich the creative landscapes of all involved sectors.
Advance Industry Education
Provide valuable insights into evolving business models, financing structures, and distribution strategies relevant to both Nollywood and global film markets.
Drive Innovation
Explore cutting-edge storytelling methods that combine Nollywood’s vibrant narratives with the technical and production expertise of international film industries.
Conference will start in:
Expected Outcomes
Strengthened Collaboration and Partnerships
Foster deeper ties and long-term partnerships between Nollywood and global film industries through strategic networking and shared initiatives.
Mutual Industry Insight
Promote a greater understanding of each industry's unique strengths, challenges, and operational dynamics, paving the way for more effective collaboration.
Co-Production Opportunities
Inspire the development of new cross-border projects and creative ideas, leading to co-productions that blend diverse cultural narratives and production expertise.
Increased Global Visibility
Elevate the profile of Nollywood and its global counterparts, showcasing their talents, innovations, and cinematic achievements on an international stage.
Expanded Funding Access
Create new funding pathways for African filmmakers through the Pan-African Pitch Session, connecting them with investors, studios, and financing partners worldwide.
Co-Production Opportunities
Inspire the development of new cross-border projects and creative ideas, leading to co-productions that blend diverse cultural narratives and production expertise.
Our Sponsors/Partners
Meet The Catalyst
Darlington Abuda is an award-winning producer, writer, PR strategist, and event promoter with over 20 years in the entertainment industry. He began his career in journalism with The Guardian, Newage Newspapers, then Daily Independent, later becoming Editor of Nollyworld at The Union Newspapers.
He transitioned into corporate communications as Media Relations Manager at Chain Reactions Limited, leading campaigns for clients such as Terra Kulture, Lagos State Ministry of Culture and Tourism, First Bank Plc, and Lekki Free Zone.
In 2012, Darlington entered Nollywood as a publicist and quickly expanded into film production. First movie he produced is the first Nollywood movie listed in the Guiness Book of World Records and since then, he has produced multiple award-winning, box-office hits, earning recognition as Nigeria’s Highest Grossing Producer of the Decade (ending 2020) and ranking 8th Highest Grossing Producer in 2024, further solidifying his status as a key figure in the rise of African cinema on the global stage.
Darlington continues to drive African cinema forward, blending creative storytelling with strategic industry insight while providing a platform for the new generation to thrive.
Our Speakers:
