…this win is so much bigger than a trophy. It is proof that Nigerian stories, told with truth and craft, can stand shoulder to shoulder with the best in the world. It’s a spark of inspiration for the next generation of filmmakers, and a reminder that documentary storytelling is not just an afterthought; it is powerful, diverse, and deeply human
The real question now is: what’s next?
For me, it’s about building on this moment, strengthening the documentary ecosystem with education, creating funding opportunities, mentorship, and ensuring that many more Nigerian documentary voices are heard across the world
The director, Kachi Benson, the protagonist, Anthony Madu, and the producer, Adeyinka Oduniyi at the presentation
Cover photo: Presenting the award to the producer and the director, Kachi Benson
LAST night (September 28) at the Alliance Française Mike Adenuga Centre in Ikoyi Lagos, I had the extra special honour of presenting the International Emmy Award for documentary to Director Joel Kachi Benson and his amazing MADU crew. ✨🏆
What a moment!
With the producer, Yinka Oduniyi, the director Kachi Benson, and the anchor of the chat, Stephanie Busari
In a fireside chat that followed, anchored by the distinguished, award-winning news anchor Stephanie Busari, I said this win is so much bigger than a trophy. It is proof that Nigerian stories, told with truth and craft, can stand shoulder to shoulder with the best in the world. It’s a spark of inspiration for the next generation of filmmakers, and a reminder that documentary storytelling is not just an afterthought; it is powerful, diverse, and deeply human.For over fourteen years, my colleagues Jahman Anikulapo, Makin Soyinka, Theo Lawson, Awam Amkpa and I at the IREP International Documentary Film Festival have been advocating for this genre, pushing to show that documentary film is a vital creative outlet that deserves funding, support, and respect. Hopefully, this Emmy proves it. The real question now is: what’s next?For me, it’s about building on this moment, strengthening the documentary ecosystem with education, creating funding opportunities, mentorship, and ensuring that many more Nigerian documentary voices are heard across the world.Congratulations again to Kachi Benson, Producer Yinka Oduniyi and the MADU team. You’ve made history and lit the path for the rest of us. 🙌🏽
- https://www.linkedin.com/posts/femi-odugbemi-4806b15_nigeriandocumentary-emmywin-madu-activity