The private screening, held in Lagos, brought together media professionals, filmmakers, and Canon’s creative community to experience the film’s moral lesson of resilience, determination, and triumph. 

Beyond a film event, it was a statement of Canon’s growing investment in African storytelling and the next generation of visual creators.

“At Canon, we believe in the power of storytelling and the importance of equipping creators with the right tools to express their vision,” said Rashad Ghani, B2C Business Unit Director for Canon Central and North Africa. 

“Our collaboration with Nora on Racket Queen reflects how technology and artistry come together to elevate filmmaking in Africa. We’re proud to continue empowering creators and building a thriving creative community across the region.”

The event featured two sessions, which included a morning media screening that offered an intimate viewing for journalists, followed by an evening industry gathering designed for filmmakers and Canon’s creative partners. 

Each moment spotlighted Canon’s focus on enhancing film culture in Nigeria, while ensuring collaboration and conversation around emerging cinematic talent.

Adding to the excitement, Canon used the platform to unveil the EOS C50, its new entry-level cinema camera. Compact, powerful, and designed for accessibility, the C50 expands Canon’s professional lineup and supports aspiring filmmakers eager to step into professional production.

Racket Queen, Awolowo’s latest project in collaboration with Canon, follows the journey of a young girl who discovers her love for tennis and pursues her dream against all odds, guided by her mother’s solid support. 

With standout performances from Pamilerin Ayodeji, Tunbosun Aiyedehin, Kayode Jnr Ojuolape, and Folu Storms, the film captures the spirit of perseverance and hope that aligns with many African stories.

“Working with Canon is always a creative partnership built on trust and innovation,” Awolowo said. “The EOS C400 gave me the flexibility and technical precision I needed to bring Racket Queen to life. I’m proud of what we achieved together and grateful for Canon’s continued support for filmmakers like myself.”

Awolowo spoke about her creative journey, from studying accounting to becoming one of Nigeria’s most distinctive visual storytellers. She described how her approach to cinematography embraces imperfection, movement, and the emotional weight of real life, blending visual symbolism with narrative sincerity.

Canon’s B2B Director for Africa, Fashad, commended Awolowo’s talent and the spirit of Nigerian creativity that drives the country’s entertainment industry.

“Every time I visit Lagos, I am reminded of the resilience and passion Nigerians bring to their craft,” he said. “This film celebrates that same spirit, resilience, determination, and the will to achieve. Talent is everywhere; it only needs to be recognised and nurtured. That’s why we are here, to back creativity, empower creators, and stand by them with our products, support, and technology.”

The collaboration aligns with Canon’s Innovation, Customer, and Employee Experience (ICE) strategy, which ensures creativity through access to advanced tools, mentorship, and training. 

For over a decade, Canon has been a driving force in Nigeria’s visual industry, from partnerships with Netflix productions to hands-on training for content creators across the continent.

In Racket Queen, Awolowo goes beyond sports to deliver a heartfelt story about vision, family, and faith in one’s dreams, a reflection of Nigeria’s creative spirit.

The workshops, held in partnership with the Kigali Centre for Photography, will take place from October  27–29, 2025, at the Institut Français in Kigali as part of the Kigali Visual Encounters Festival.

The Canon Academy brings a direct, skills-based approach to photography education, moving beyond theory to practical mastery. 

It is Canon’s latest investment in nurturing Africa’s creative industries, with a goal to empower young professionals to transform passion into sustainable livelihoods.

According to Rashad Ghani, B2C business unit director at Canon Central and North Africa, “Through the Canon Academy, we’re expanding our reach and impact by making photography training accessible to our customers in Rwanda. 

“This collaboration with the Kigali Centre for Photography for the Kigali Visual Encounters Festival represents our commitment to equipping young people and communities with the skills, inspiration, and opportunities they need to succeed in the creative economy. 

“It is also a reflection of Canon’s strategic approach to shape Africa’s future through education and innovation.”

Unlike traditional seminars, the Academy’s structure focuses on experiential learning. Participants will receive guided instruction from certified Canon trainers, with each session adapted to different experience levels, from first-time camera users to professionals seeking advanced techniques.

Workshops will cover essential concepts such as composition, lighting, and exposure, followed by outdoor sessions like street photography exercises. 

Attendees will work with Canon’s latest mirrorless and DSLR systems, including the R50, R100, R10, and R8, testing the technology in real-world environments. 

The hands-on sessions will culminate in the Canon Academy Hangout, where participants will showcase their work, network, and receive formal certification.

Leading the sessions are Jacques Nkinzingabo, founder of the Kigali Centre for Photography, and Raul Gabat, Canon’s business development manager. 

Together, they will guide participants through the creative and technical aspects of storytelling through images.

Nkinzingabo said, “The Kigali Centre for Photography serves as a learning and creative space dedicated to advancing photography, visual culture, and artistic practices in Rwanda. The first and only of its kind in Kigali City, it has positioned itself as a hub of creative learning and cultural exchange. 

“Through the Kigali Visual Encounters 2025, and in collaboration with Canon, it provides an inclusive, meaningful, and community-driven platform for development.”

Since its inception, Canon Academy has trained over 2,200 students across Africa. The expansion into Rwanda represents a new learning opportunity and also a commendable move to strengthen the region’s creative economy. 

Through this initiative, Canon aims to cultivate a new generation of storytellers, individuals who can capture Africa’s realities and ambitions through powerful visual narratives.

Investing in people and education, Canon is aligning with its Kyosei philosophy: “Living and Working Together for the Common Good.” In Kigali, that philosophy takes on a new form, blending artistry, technology, and opportunity to build a stronger creative future.