MIMI BARTELS CELEBRATES TIFF 2026 MILESTONE WITH DUAL FILM SCREENINGS

Acclaimed Nigerian film producer Mimi Bartels has recorded another career milestone as her two latest movie projects screened at the 2026 Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF).

Bartels, who serves as the Co-Founder and Director of Creative & Productions at Anakle Films, presented The Secret Lives of Baba Segi’s Wives alongside Old Scores: The Black Book 2 at TIFF’s Global Africa Hub.

• The Screenings: The film adaptation of Lola Shoneyin’s acclaimed novel, The Secret Lives of Baba Segi’s Wives, made its world premiere as a collaborative project involving EbonyLife Group, Nile Group, Genesis Group, and Silverbird Cinemas. Meanwhile, Old Scores: The Black Book 2—the sequel to Netflix’s 2023 hit African original—was showcased at TIFF: The Market.

• Producer’s Statement: Speaking on the global reception, Bartels expressed that taking local Nigerian narratives to international platforms remains her core focus.

For over 16 years of experience across film development, financing, and distribution, Bartels was previously named Nigeria’s highest-grossing producer in 2021 and has served as a juror for both the Africa Magic Viewers’ Choice Awards (AMVCA) and the International Emmy Awards.