Film producer Mimi Bartels has reached a significant international milestone with two productions she helped produce being represented at the 2026 Toronto International Film Festival and TIFF: The Market. Her productions, 'The Secret Lives of Baba Segi’s Wives' and 'Old Scores: The Black Book 2', were showcased in different capacities.
Bartels is one of the producers of 'The Secret Lives of Baba Segi’s Wives', which screened at the Toronto International Film Festival. 'Old Scores: The Black Book 2', which she also produced, was presented at TIFF: The Market 2026 under the Global Africa Hub powered by CANEX.
As a producer, Bartels has been involved in the development, financing, and co-production of more than 30 films. Her work in distribution has contributed to the release of over 110 films. She previously served as the General Manager of FilmOne Studios and is the co-founder and Director of Creative and Productions at Anakle Films.
Bartels' producing credits include projects that have received significant industry recognition, with her productions earning more than 30 nominations at the Africa Magic Viewers’ Choice Awards and two wins. She was named Nigeria’s highest-grossing producer in 2021 and has served as a juror for the International Emmy Awards and the Africa Magic Viewers’ Choice Awards.
Having two productions represented at TIFF in different capacities reflects Bartels' focus on taking Nigerian stories to international audiences. She expressed her gratitude for the opportunity, saying it allows her to connect Nigerian stories with audiences, filmmakers, and industry professionals worldwide.
Bartels also worked behind the scenes on 'The Black Book', Netflix’s most-watched African Original of 2023. She returned as a producer on its sequel, 'Old Scores: The Black Book 2', an Anakle Films and Invention Studios production. Her work on 'The Secret Lives of Baba Segi’s Wives' highlights her interest in taking distinctly African stories to wider audiences.
The goal of Bartels' producing approach extends beyond simply making films; it is to build stories that connect with people, create value, and have the potential to travel. This approach has contributed to her success, including her recent achievement at the Toronto International Film Festival.
Key points
- Mimi Bartels had two productions showcased at the 2026 Toronto International Film Festival and TIFF: The Market.
- Bartels has been involved in the development, financing, and co-production of over 30 films and distribution of over 110 films.
- Her productions have earned more than 30 nominations at the Africa Magic Viewers’ Choice Awards and two wins.
