Sola Benson 

Canon, a global leader in imaging technology, hosted an exclusive screening of the short film Racket Queen in Lagos, celebrating the creative vision of acclaimed Nigerian filmmaker Nora Awolowo. The film was shot entirely using Canon’s professional EOS C400 cinema camera, highlighting both Awolowo’s storytelling prowess and Canon’s commitment to empowering African filmmakers.

The morning media event brought together journalists from arts, culture, entertainment, business, and technology publications, offering an exclusive first look at the film and insights into Awolowo’s approach to filmmaking. Later in the evening, Canon hosted an industry screening for filmmakers, peers, and members of its creative network, providing a platform for networking, collaboration, and discussion on innovation in cinema.

Racket Queen tells the inspiring story of a young girl who discovers her passion for tennis. With her mother’s support, she pursues her dream of becoming a star, navigating triumphs, setbacks, and personal sacrifices along the way. The film features compelling performances by Pamilerin Ayodeji, Tunbosun Aiyedehin, Kayode Jnr Ojuolape, and Folu Storms, and showcases Awolowo’s mastery of visual storytelling.

Canon’s EOS C400 played a central role in bringing the film’s visuals and emotional depth to life. Speaking at the event, Rashad Ghani, B2C Business Unit Director for Canon Central and North Africa, emphasized the company’s dedication to equipping creators with the tools needed to express their vision:

"At Canon, we believe in the power of storytelling and the importance of equipping creators with the right tools to express their vision. 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 events also served as a soft launch for Canon’s new EOS C50, an entry-level cinema camera aimed at emerging filmmakers. Compact yet powerful, the C50 expands Canon’s professional lineup, making high-quality production more accessible to aspiring creators.

Reflecting on her experience, Nora Awolowo said, "Working with Canon is always a creative partnership built on trust and innovation. 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."

Canon’s collaboration with Awolowo aligns with its Innovation, Customer, and Employee Experience (ICE) strategy, which focuses on advancing innovation, customer empowerment, and long-term creative partnerships. By equipping filmmakers with cutting-edge technology, Canon continues to reinforce its position as a leading brand for professional videography in Nigeria and across Africa.