The Naija Filmmaker

In a compelling exchange on the Naija Filmmaker podcast, Victor Ugoo Njoku articulates his vision for a more inclusive and representative Nigerian film industry. Throughout the episode, he recounts his formative experiences that ignited his passion for filmmaking, particularly the influence of his academic background in mass communication. Njoku discusses the pivotal moments that shaped his unders...

The discussion with Matthew Youssef, also known as Matolight, centers on his extensive experience as a gaffer and lighting designer within the Nigerian film industry. Our conversation delves into his formative years in theater, which laid the foundation for his transition to film, and highlights the importance of preparation and experimentation in achieving visual storytelling. Matthew elucidates...

This podcast episode features an insightful discussion with Jesi Damina, a prominent filmmaker and co-founder of Neptune 3 Studios. Our primary focus centers on her journey within the Nigerian film industry, particularly regarding her contributions to young adult programming. Jesi elaborates on her early beginnings in storytelling, her evolution as a filmmaker, and the significant role her support...

Embracing one’s vision is paramount for filmmakers, as articulated in this episode of the Naija Filmmaker podcast. I delve into the significance of possessing a clear and distinct vision, which serves not only as a guiding compass but also as a differentiating factor in a saturated industry. Each filmmaker, whether they occupy the role of director, cinematographer, or actor, possesses a unique per...

This podcast episode features a profound dialogue with Nneoha Aligwe, a multifaceted artist renowned for her contributions to photography, writing, and filmmaking, including her founding of the Africa International Horror Film Festival. At the crux of our conversation lies the exploration of self-expression through the lens of her creative journey, wherein she articulately navigates the intricacie...

This podcast episode features an enlightening conversation with Ferdy Adimefe, a prominent producer, creator, and educator, who is also the founder of Magic Carpet Studios. Central to our discussion is the exploration of his notable animation project, "The Passport of Mallam Ilia," which serves as a testament to his storytelling process that embraces African consciousness. We delve into the intric...

In this enlightening dialogue, we delve into the multifaceted journey of filmmaker Daniel Itegboje, whose artistic endeavors bridge the realms of cinema and medicine. At the forefront of our discussion is his poignant documentary, "On Your Own," which illuminates the lives of marginalized youth in Nigeria, capturing the essence of their struggles and aspirations. We explore Daniel's unique traject...

In this episode of The Naija Filmmaker, we're diving deep into the current state and future prospects of Nollywood with a special collaboration featuring the Tswa Film Festival. Our esteemed guests, including James Omokwe, Dayemi Okanlawon, and Opeyemi Ewumi, moderated by Mr. C of Iroko Critic, bring a wealth of experience from various facets of the industry—from directing and producing to marketi...

Sele Got is a film director and producer. He talks about how to take the Nollywood brand global Sele explores how Nollywood can expand its influence on the global stage and what can be improved locally. He celebrates the 100th episode and season finale of the 4th season. In this episode, you will learn the following: 1. How to captivate international audiences 2. Growing the box office 3. Expandin...

Mr Mautin is a talent manager, and film and media catalyst. We talk about talent management, bespoke film marketing, Mami Wata and the state of distribution in Nigeria. He also shares invaluable insights on the need for diversity, storytelling, and structured competition within the creative and movie industry. In this episode, you will learn the following: 1. Mr Mautin's Approach to Talent Managem...

Ebuka Njoku is a Nigerian writer, director and producer. He is known for his debut feature, Yahoo+ which became a fan favorite. We talk about his latest project, "UNO: The F in Family", his introduction to the industry and how he maintains the integrity of his work. Ebuka is a passionate storyteller who believes storytelling is essential to life. He understands that everything in the world is stor...

In this episode, I discuss making my debut feature with the writer (Nwamaka Chikezie), actor (Loudvoice) and executive producer (Fredrik Skog) ahead of its release in francophone cinemas. We share stories from the film's development, distribution and the challenges of bringing Nigerian characters to life. https://www.instagram.com/amaka_creme/ https://www.instagram.com/loudvoicecfr/ https://www.in...

Sele Got is a film director and producer. He talks about how a growth mindset and a fixed mindset can affect your career. Sele explores how these mindsets influence the way individuals approach challenges, setbacks, and the pursuit of their goals in the filmmaking industry. From the perspective of various roles in filmmaking, Sele provides insightful comparisons and examples to illustrate the impa...

Femi Awojide is a cinematographer that has worked on several music videos, commercials and films such as Sugar Rush, Juju Stories and. Femi shares the importance of constant skill enhancement and how different disciplines. We also delve into the intricacies of cinematography, from the importance of learning and collaborating with others to the qualities that make a great cinematographer, including...

Chima Temple Adighije is a production designer and art director. He has worked on numerous projects including Lost Cafe, Crime & Justice & Eagle's Wings etc. The episode dives into Chima's process as a production designer. He explains his approach to reading scripts, requesting character bibles, and meeting with directors to better understand their vision. Chima highlights the importance o...

Motunrayo Ojo is a film enthusiast, who finds joy in engaging with Nigerian and foreign films. Mo emphasizes the importance of addressing social issues and promoting diverse storytelling, along with the significance of audience engagement and feedback. Additionally, the episode tackles the need for government reforms to ensure fairness in the industry and support for smaller cinemas. In this episo...

Motunrayo Ojo is a film enthusiast, who finds joy in engaging with Nigerian and foreign films. Mo shares her deep love for art and entertainment. Her passion lies in movies and literature, which she consumes voraciously and enjoys discussing and analyzing with friends. She appreciates Nigerian films for their portrayal of Nigerian identity and culture. Mo emphasizes the significance of engaging wi...

Sele Got is a film director and producer. He explores why you should keep making short films. Sele highlights how short films can showcase a filmmaker's talents and vision for a feature film, as well as help in honing their craft and improving storytelling skills. The concise storytelling of short films also helps to eliminate unnecessary fluff from films. Finally, Sele discusses the growing audie...

Martini Akande is a film editor and producer. He has edited numerous projects including Brotherhood, Gangs of Lagos, Road To Blow and Glamour Girls. Martini shares his process of editing a film, from ensuring actors look good to using creative editing techniques. The importance of clear and understandable action scenes is emphasized, and Martini also highlights the significance of constantly devel...

Michael Omonua is a director and writer. He is a member of the Surreal 16 Collective and has made several films, including Rehearsal, The Man Who Cut Tattoos, and Love Potion, a part of the Juju Stories anthology film. Michael shares his perspective on the importance of cultivating a unique voice in the industry. He talks about their early days working on film sets and realizing that they wanted t...

Desmond Ovbiagele is a writer and director. He has written and directed "Render To Ceasar" and "The Milkmaid". In 2021, "The Milkmaid" was Nigeria's submission to the Academy Awards' international feature category. Desmond takes us through his experience shooting in the scenic Mambila Plateau in Taraba State. With extended shooting time and disruptions, the crew showed resilience with a strong wor...

Sele Got is a film director and producer. He delves into how to become the main character in your film career. He explains the importance of being a strong character like in the movies by taking active steps toward your goals. Sele identifies key takeaways, such as setting targets and objectives, learning to adapt, networking, and collaborating, and applying intentionality in pursuing your ambitio...

Raymond Yusuff is a talented filmmaker and member of the filmmaking collective "The Critics Company". He possesses skills in various stages of film production and has worked with limited resources to create compelling films alongside his independent filmmaking team. We talk about his experiences working in the industry. Raymond discusses the importance of visual effects in storytelling and how the...

Toluwani Obayan is a screenwriter, best known for writing films like Ponzi, and This Lady Called Life. She is also the author of the book titled Becoming A Spectacular Woman. We explore the journey of a writer and filmmaker who shares her experiences and lessons learned in the creative process. From struggling with a lack of inspiration and self-doubt to finding therapeutic value in writing, the g...

Temitope "Oluwadabest" Dada is a Commercial and Documentary Filmmaker with several years of experience in Graphics Design, Photography, and Cinematography. He currently works as a Director and Creative lead at his company, FilmbyDT Production Company He emphasizes the importance of building relationships and maintaining professionalism in the creative industry. Oluwadabest share insights on handli...