Canon Names Three Africa-Linked Creatives to EMEA Ambassador Programme

October 22, 2026 | By Semahegn Nigatu

Canon has appointed three Africa-linked filmmakers and visual storytellers to its EMEA Ambassador Programme, expanding the representation of African creative professionals in its international network.

Hamoudi Laggoune, a Franco-Algerian cinematographer, Tanzanian wildlife filmmaker Hans Ngoteya and Nigerian filmmaker Nora Awolowo are among 25 new ambassadors joining the programme in 2026, Canon Central & North Africa (CCNA) said in a statement.

The programme brings together photographers and filmmakers from Europe, the Middle East and Africa to exchange expertise, mentor emerging talent and participate in educational initiatives, workshops and industry events.

The appointments span cinematography, wildlife conservation and documentary filmmaking, reflecting the range of creative work represented in the programme.

Laggoune, who has more than two decades of experience in cinematography, works across film production, virtual production, underwater filmmaking and large-format imaging. Based between Europe and North Africa, he has worked with Canon’s Cinema EOS technology.

Ngoteya, co-founder of Ngoteya Wild, produces wildlife films and conservation documentaries. He received the Jackson Wild Rising Star Award in 2023 for his work in wildlife storytelling.

Awolowo’s work includes directing FIFA’s original documentary Nigeria: The Debut and serving as cinematographer and producer on the feature film Red Circle. She also produced Black Market through Rixel Studios. The film’s premiere at Tafawa Balewa Square in Lagos in September 2026 attracted more than 51,000 qualifying viewers, setting a Guinness World Record for attendance at a film screening, according to Canon.

The three join existing African ambassadors, including Ethiopian photographer Aïda Muluneh and filmmaker Seibou Traoré, in the programme.

Rashad Ghani, B2C business unit director at Canon Central & North Africa, said the new ambassadors would bring different creative perspectives to the network, spanning North African cinematography, East African conservation storytelling and Nigerian filmmaking.

He said the programme was designed to facilitate knowledge-sharing, support emerging creators and increase the visibility of African perspectives within the wider EMEA creative community.

Established in 2008, the Canon EMEA Ambassador Programme selects participants through a multi-stage process. Candidates are nominated by Canon offices across the region and assessed by an independent panel of 16 photography and filmmaking experts, who evaluate their work, creative approach, innovation and contributions to the industry.

Ambassadors collaborate with Canon on educational activities, workshops and events intended to share technical knowledge and support photographers and filmmakers at different stages of their careers.

Source: FSX Business News