UNIFYINGÂ
AFRICA &THE DIASPORA
BEHInD THE SCENES
Lights, Camera, Diaspora! brings Africa and the Diaspora’s creative talent and resources together through production partnerships and skills-development. Creating access to opportunity, building careers and networks, and a self-sustaining global film, television, music and live event ecosystem.Â
13 YEARS OF IMPACT
UNIFYING CREATIVESÂ
Lights, Camera, Diaspora! bridges the global Black community to empower a flourishing African creative sector. Our work integrates expert-led mentorship, technical training, and on-set production support facilitated by seasoned professionals to establish a powerful cross-border skill sharing hub.
We serve as a vital ally in ensuring successful business careers in international entertainment for diverse Pan-African artists.
THE MODEL
01
Hands-On, On-Set Training
Trainees build camera, lighting, sound, grip, wardrobe and producing skills directly on professional sets, at festivals, and in workshops.
02
Mentorship & Professional Placements
Instruction and mentorship from working professionals across the Diaspora, with placements on major productions, festivals, and workshops.
03
Equipment & Infrastructure Access
LCD! sources, ships, and donates production gear, closing the equipment gap that limits African filmmakers from competing globally.
IMPACT IN ACTION
Our impact is measured in careers. From Netflix’s first original production in Nigeria to the Official Selection at Cannes, these stories show how a single placement grows into steady work, rising responsibility, and a seat at the global table. These projects show what happens when diaspora professionals, local crews, and production partners come together.
A Women's Cinematography Workshop Led from Hollywood
In collaboration with Zebra Productions Kenya Ltd. and Women in Film & Television Kenya, LCD! invites Hollywood cinematographer Cybel Martin, ASC, to Nairobi to work directly with women building careers behind the camera. Convening a women-focused workshop centered on professional preparation: translating a script into a visual strategy, planning camera and lighting choices, collaborating with directors and department heads, and carrying a creative point of view into production.
From Her First Set to Cannes
In February 2020, LCD! partnered with filmmaker Akin Omotoso and Rafifi Pictures to create an on-set training and placement effort around Netflix's first original production in Nigeria. Christian Epps served as gaffer, and Damilola joined the lighting department for what became her first professional set experience. Damilola continued working across Nollywood films, commercials and music productions as a spark, best girl and gaffer. In 2024, Damilola worked as a spark on My Father's Shadow, shot in Lagos. The film made history in 2025 as the first Nigerian feature selected for the Cannes Film Festival's Official Selection, screening in Un Certain Regard and receiving a Camera d'Or Special Distinction.