Canon Showcases Creative Excellence as Nigerian Filmmaker Nora Awolowo Unveils Film Shot with Canon EOS C400
Nigerian screens recently hosted a cinematic triumph as Canon, the renowned imaging technology leader, facilitated the exclusive screening of Racket Queen, a short film by the acclaimed director Nora Awolowo. Shot entirely on the Canon EOS C400 cinema camera, the production stands as a powerful testament to Awolowo’s creative excellence, visual storytelling finesse, and technical mastery.
Canon showcased its latest filmmaking technology with a focus on supporting emerging talent and the regional creative community. The highlight was the use of the Canon EOS C400, a professional-grade camera that played a crucial role in capturing the striking visuals and emotional depth of the film *Racket Queen*. The company also hosted two exclusive events: a morning media screening for journalists from sectors including arts, culture, and technology, offering a first look at the film and insights into Nora’s creative process; and an evening industry screening for filmmakers, peers, and Canon’s creative network, which celebrated collaboration and innovation within the storytelling community.
Speaking at the event, Rashad Ghani, B2C Business Unit Director for Canon Central and North Africa, said: “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.”
In addition, both events featured the soft launch of Canon’s new EOS C50, an entry-level cinema camera designed to make high-quality filmmaking more accessible to aspiring creators. Compact yet powerful, the C50 expands Canon’s professional cinema range, empowering emerging filmmakers with affordable, advanced imaging tools.
The short film follows the inspiring journey of a young girl who discovers her passion for tennis and, with her mother’s dedicated support, pursues her dream of becoming a star, navigating triumphs, setbacks, and sacrifices along the way. Featuring performances by Pamilerin Ayodeji, Tunbosun Aiyedehin, Kayode Jnr Ojuolape, and Folu Storms, the narrative struck a particularly emotional chord with the director, who highlighted the crucial difference parental encouragement makes in an artistic career.
Reflecting on the deeply personal inspiration behind the film, Awolowo recounted the importance of showcasing familial support, contrasting it with her own early career challenges.
“I want to tell a story about what it’s like when your parents actually support you. When your parents believe in whatever you’re doing. I mean, I’m a cinematographer, and I remember the first time I told my mother and father that I wanted to be a photographer. They thought I’d just be taking passport pictures for 200 Naira. But seeing how my life has turned out over the years, they’re now proud of me. They support me fully, attend premieres, and are even happy to accept awards. They’re constantly congratulating me, and it’s just really exciting to tell this story from my point of view,a story about resilience and what it means when your parents support you.” she stated.
The choice of the EOS C400 was integral to realising Awolowo’s vision. Designed for professional filmmakers, the camera played a pivotal role in capturing the film’s striking visuals and emotional depth. Awolowo explained that because Racket Queen was a sporty film, she needed a camera that was compact and capable of capturing not just the emotions but also handling active, rapid shots.
“Working with Canon is always a creative partnership built on trust and innovation,” Awolowo added, underscoring the success of the collaboration. “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.”
The collaboration aligns with Canon’s overarching Innovation, Customer, and Employee Experience (ICE) strategy, focusing on customer empowerment and long-term partnerships. By enabling African filmmakers with cutting-edge imaging technology, Canon aims to reinforce its position as the go-to brand for professional videography in Nigeria and across the African continent.