By Felicia Odom 25.9.2026
Nigerian filmmaker Mimi Bartels said her goal is to make films that connects with people after two of her works “The Market’ and ‘The Secret Lives of Baba Segi’s Wives,” were screened at the 2026 Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF).
Bartels who has been in the industry for 16 years said it the TIFF was an opportunity to take her titles to the world at her own terms.
“As I am focused on local-to-global content, TIFF 2026 was more meaningful in the journey of taking our titles to the world, on our own terms.
“TIFF provides an opportunity not only to celebrate the work itself, but also to connect the stories we are telling in Nigeria with audiences, filmmakers and industry professionals from around the world,” noted the Co-Founder/Director of Creative and Productions at Anakle Films
Bartels has participated in the development, financing and co-production of more than 30 films, while her work in distribution has supported the release of over 110 titles.
She was named Nigeria’s highest-grossing producer in 2021 and has served as a juror for both the International Emmy Awards and the AMVCAs.
Speaking on her filmmaking philosophy, Bartels said her vision goes beyond simply producing movies to crafting stories with wider resonance.
“The goal is not simply to make films. It is to build stories that connect with people, create value and have the potential to travel,” she stated.