Entertainment Week Africa (EWA) will premiere University of Side Hustle, the first scripted feature film from Livespot Studios, at its fifth-anniversary event in Lagos this November.

Organisers announced the premiere on Friday. The Lagos-set film was written by Dami Elebe and executive produced by Deola Art Alade. It will debut at the week-long event scheduled for November 17 to 22.

The screening marks Livespot Studios’ entry into feature film production. It also shows EWA’s growing focus on original content creation.

Focus on Creative Growth and Investment

Speaking about the fifth anniversary, Deola Art Alade, convener of EWA and Group Chief Executive Officer of Livespot, said the platform wants to create stronger links between creatives and investors.

“The work is no longer just about convening the industry; it is about building the systems that help talent meet capital, ideas meet opportunity, and culture become long-term economic power,” she said.

Delegates From Across Africa Expected

The 2026 edition carries the theme “Closing the Gap.” Organisers expect delegates from more than 18 African countries to attend.

Countries expected at the event include Kenya, Rwanda, Ghana, Senegal, Uganda, Tanzania and South Africa. Organisers also expect 30 to 40 per cent of attendees to travel from outside Nigeria.

New Programme Tracks and Opportunities

EWA will introduce a new Art & Animation track this year. The addition increases the number of programme tracks to seven.

Other tracks include Film & TV, Music, Fashion & Beauty, AI & Tech, Live Events & Production, and Creative Enterprise.

Organisers say this year’s event will focus more on business opportunities. Key initiatives include the EWA Deal Room, Content and Music Markets, EWA Capital Desk, Creators Hub and LABSPOT.

These platforms will connect creatives with investors, distributors and commissioners. They will also help support the growth of Africa’s creative industry.