Continuing the momentum from their first successful cohort, Storymi Academy has brought a new group of emerging Nigerian filmmakers to the prestigious Sunnyside of the Doc marketplace. This event, held in La Rochelle, France, is one of Europe’s premier gatherings for documentary filmmakers and provides a vibrant community and marketplace for the industry.
Leading this promising cohort are notable figures in the Nigerian film industry, including the internationally acclaimed filmmaker Ike Nnaebue, celebrated writer, director, producer, and founder of the Irep Film Festival, Femi Odugbemi, and BBC West Africa correspondent, Mayeni Jones. The delegation also features Sophie Bouillon, a French journalist based in Nigeria and the founder of Storymi Academy, Emmy-nominated French filmmaker, Louise Monlaü, and Christophe Pecot, the Audio-visual Attaché at the French Embassy in Lagos.
The Nigerian delegation has established a notable presence at the marketplace with their dedicated stand, which serves as a hub for meetings and inquiries from international filmmakers and production companies keen to collaborate with Nigerian talent. The delegation’s presence underscores the increasing global interest in Nigeria’s burgeoning documentary filmmaking scene.
On the second day of the marketplace, the Nigerian delegation hosted a highly engaging session that delved into the challenges and opportunities related to training, funding, and production distribution across Africa and Nigeria in particular. The esteemed panel featured Ike Nnaebue, Mayeni Jones, Sophie Bouillon, and Femi Odugbemi, who provided deep insights and facilitated engaging conversations. The focused session also provided invaluable networking opportunities for the attendees.
This session was particularly beneficial for the four young Nigerian filmmakers, who had the opportunity to present their pilot projects to an international audience of filmmakers, broadcasters, and funders.
Among them, Zainab Bala has already made waves by highlighting her unique position as the only female filmmaker originating from Northern Nigeria selected for this prestigious fellowship. In a LinkedIn post, she expressed her honour and excitement, stating, “It’s an honour to be the only female filmmaker from Northern Nigeria selected as a fellow of the Storymi Academy for Nigerian Filmmakers, supported by the Embassy of France in Nigeria.” This underscores Storymi Academy’s commitment to ensuring equal coverage of Nigeria’s geopolitical landscape.
Christophe Pecot, who previously worked as a sales agent in the documentary industry before joining the French diplomatic corps, emphasized the French Embassy’s commitment to nurturing the documentary and animation ecosystem in Nigeria. He said: “The development and nurturing of the documentary and animation ecosystem in Nigeria is a task close to my heart and a key focus for the French Embassy in Nigeria.”
The participation of Nigerian filmmakers at Sunnyside of the Doc not only highlights the vibrant and growing film industry in Nigeria but also opens up new avenues for international collaboration and funding. With the support of Storymi Academy and the French Embassy, these emerging filmmakers are set to make significant contributions to the global documentary landscape.
As Sunnyside of the Doc continues, the Nigerian delegation remains a focal point, showcasing the rich storytelling potential and creative talent emerging from Africa’s most populous nation. The future of Nigerian documentary filmmaking looks promising, with these new voices ready to share their unique perspectives with the world.
