Nollywood’s ₦20 Billion Boost: Utica Capital Names Nile Group Industry Advisor as Film Fund Opens for Submissions

Nigeria’s film industry is about to get a massive financial lift. Utica Capital has officially announced that the Nile Group will serve as the Industry Advisor for the new Utica Film Fund. With this partnership in place, the doors are now wide open for filmmakers and cinema-related businesses to apply for funding.

The Utica Film Fund is a ₦20 billion venture capital fund approved by the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). This isn't just a short-term fix; it is designed to last for 10 years. The goal is to help Nigeria’s screen-content world grow from a creative hobby into a world-class institutional powerhouse.

To make sure the money is used wisely, Utica Capital is bringing in the experts. As the Industry Advisor, Nile Group will handle the heavy lifting of checking out new projects. They will look at every application, assess the risks, and monitor how the money is being spent to make sure everything stays on track.

Mr. Ola Belgore, the CEO of Utica Capital, explained that the fund was created to bring transparency and accountability to film financing. He noted that having Nile Group on board adds the technical strength needed to spend this capital responsibly.

Moses Babatope, CEO of Nile Group, echoed this sentiment. He promised that while they bring deep industry knowledge to the table, every single project will go through a fair and independent evaluation. In short, the fund is looking for quality and honesty.

The fund isn’t just for making movies; it’s for the entire film ecosystem. The funding is divided into two main categories:

1. For Filmmakers (Content Projects)

If you are a filmmaker, you can apply for funding for feature films, series, or documentaries. However, you must show that your work can make money. Applicants need to have a registered company, a history of successful past releases, and a clear plan for how the new project will be distributed. You also need to show that you already have some of your own funding ready to go.

2. For Film Support Businesses

The fund also supports the "backbone" of the industry. This includes companies that rent out equipment, production studios, distribution firms, and even tech platforms. To qualify, these businesses must have been operating for at least four years and show consistent revenue and a solid track record.

To keep things fair, the fund uses a "four-pillar" system of checks and balances:

1. Utica Capital leads the governance and overall management.

2. Nile Group checks the projects and monitors performance.

3. An Advisory Board provides creative and strategic advice.

4. An Investment Committee handles the final financial approvals and releases money in stages.

This is a huge moment for Nigerian creators who have big dreams but limited cash. If you have a project that fits the criteria, Utica Capital is inviting you to submit your pitch deck immediately.

You can find the application portal and all the official details at www.uticafilmfund.com.