Dr Victor Okhai
Dr Victor Okhai is a celebrated figure in the world of film and television, renowned for his contributions to African and global entertainment. As the National President of the Directors’ Guild of Nigeria (DGN) and co-founder of the Guild, he has been instrumental in shaping Nigeria’s film industry. He is also the founder and director of the IN-Short Film Festival, Sub-Saharan Africa’s largest short film festival, and a member of The Nigerian Oscar Selection Committee (NOSC), playing a key role in elevating Nigerian cinema on the global stage.
Dr Okhai’s expertise has earned him a place in the International Academy of Television Arts and Sciences (Emmys) and positions on jury panels for numerous film festivals, including the Cairo International Film Festival, Africa Magic Viewers’ Choice Awards (AMVCAs), FESPACO, and the Africa Movie Academy Awards (AMAAs). In 2022, he was appointed Head Judge of the AMVCAs, highlighting his leadership and impact in the industry. He was also the chairman of the film sub-committee of the review and draft of Nigeria’s cultural policy.
As an educator, Dr Okhai is the Director of Studies at the International Film and Broadcast Academy in Lagos and an external resource person at Pan Atlantic University and the National Film Institute in Jos. He has mentored a new generation of storytellers and filmmakers, fostering the growth of Africa’s creative economy.
With a diverse educational background, including a professional certificate in film/TV production from the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA), an MSc in Marketing, and a Doctorate in Business Leadership, Dr Okhai’s multifaceted expertise informs his work as a filmmaker, consultant, and strategist. He has collaborated with international networks like BBC, Al Jazeera, and CNN and is a board member of the Mokolo project, an African film database supported by the German Foreign Ministry.
A sought-after keynote speaker and advocate for African cinema, Dr Victor Okhai brings unparalleled experience and passion to the continent’s Film environment, championing African voices and stories on the global stage.
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“I am deeply honoured to be part of the 2025 Jury for the Joburg Film Festival. This festival is a crucial platform for celebrating African storytelling, and I’m excited to engage with the incredible talent and creativity that continue to shape the future of film on the continent. It’s a privilege to contribute to a festival that not only showcases artistic excellence but also fosters growth in the industry.”