Mimi Bartels’ Movies Excite Audiences at Toronto International Film Festival

Nigerian filmmaker and producer Mimi Bartels has continued to strengthen her profile on the international film scene after two productions linked to her were screened at the 2026 Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF).

Bartels was involved in two of the projects presented at the prestigious festival, including The Market and The Secret Lives of Baba Segi’s Wives. She served as one of the producers of The Secret Lives of Baba Segi’s Wives, while also working as producer on Old Scores: The Black Book 2, the sequel to the successful Nigerian crime thriller The Black Book.

The Toronto appearance further highlights Bartels’ more than 16 years of experience spanning film production, development, financing, co-production and distribution.

Throughout her career, she has participated in the development, financing and co-production of more than 30 films. Her work in distribution has also contributed to the release of more than 110 titles.

Bartels is the co-Founder and Director of Creative and Productions at Anakle Films. She previously served as General Manager of FilmOne Studios, where she played a role in the growth of Nigeria’s film industry.

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Her production portfolio includes films that have collectively earned more than 30 nominations at the Africa Magic Viewers’ Choice Awards (AMVCA), resulting in two wins. She was also recognised as Nigeria’s highest-grossing producer in 2021 and has served on juries for both the International Emmy Awards and the AMVCA.

Speaking about the importance of having her projects represented at TIFF, Bartels said the festival supports her ambition of taking Nigerian stories to international audiences.

She described her approach as “local-to-global content”, noting that TIFF offered an opportunity to showcase Nigerian productions while connecting with filmmakers, audiences and industry professionals from different parts of the world.

Bartels was also involved in the early creative development of The Black Book, which became Netflix’s most-watched African Original of 2023. She later returned as producer for Old Scores: The Black Book 2, produced by Anakle Films and Invention Studios.

Meanwhile, The Secret Lives of Baba Segi’s Wives is an adaptation of Lola Shoneyin’s acclaimed novel and was developed through a collaboration involving EbonyLife Group, Nile Group, Genesis Group and Silverbird Cinemas.

For Bartels, the ultimate objective goes beyond producing movies.

She said her ambition is to create stories that connect with audiences, generate value and travel beyond Nigeria to reach viewers around the world.