Filmmaker and showrunner Rogba Arimoro has described his nomination in the 2026 Africa Magic Viewers’ Choice Awards (AMVCA) as a reflection of a shift of Nigerian story telling towards being globally competitive
According to him Nigeria’s film and television industry is pushing toward global relevance, as growing number of creators are beginning to approach storytelling not just as content, but as exportable intellectual property.
Arimoro was nominated in the Best Scripted M-Net Original category for his television series Mother of the Brides, a character-driven drama that examines the social and emotional pressures surrounding marriage in contemporary Nigeria. Set against the backdrop of wedding culture, the series explores themes of identity, power, and generational change, presenting a narrative that is culturally grounded yet globally relatable.
The production has also recorded strong audience engagement, with key scenes and character moments gaining traction across digital platforms. Arimoro served as creator, showrunner, executive producer, and director of the project.
Speaking on the nomination, Arimoro described it as part of a broader creative journey. “This nomination sits within a longer journey. Each project has been about refining both the storytelling and the structure behind how the work reaches audiences. The focus now is on building stories that are rooted here but designed to travel,” he said.
Beyond local production, Arimoro’s recent activities highlight an increasing international outlook. He was selected for the Best of Africa Pitch at MIP London, where he presented his legal drama series Ivory Esq. to global buyers and partners.
The platform connects African creators with international distributors and financiers, reflecting rising demand for projects that combine cultural specificity with globally recognised narrative structures.
“Being part of MIP London was an important step. It’s not just about telling stories anymore but understanding how those stories function as intellectual property within a global marketplace,” he added.
In addition, Arimoro is a recipient of an Africa No Filter grant for his feature film The Wrench, currently in post-production. The film, set in Northern Nigeria, explores themes of gender, identity, and cultural tension, and is being positioned for international festival circulation and distribution.
Industry observers say these developments signal a broader shift among a new generation of Nigerian creators, extending beyond production into development, financing, and distribution frameworks.
Arimoro noted that the industry must move away from volume-driven output toward more structured systems.
“The conversation is shifting. It’s no longer just about how much we produce, but how we build around what we produce and how stories are developed, financed, and ultimately distributed across borders,” he said.
The AMVCA nomination for Mother of the Brides, a voting category, reflects both industry recognition and audience reception, with the series also earning a nomination in the Best Lead Actress category.
As the awards season progresses, stakeholders say the recognition underscores a growing shift in how Nigerian stories are conceived and positioned for global competitiveness.
