Nigeria to France: Ike, Femi, Storymi Champion Rising Filmmakers

La Rochelle, France – Storymi Academy has once again made headlines by bringing a new wave of talented Nigerian filmmakers to the renowned Sunnyside of the Doc marketplace. Known as one of Europe’s top events for documentary filmmakers, this gathering in La Rochelle provides a dynamic community and marketplace for industry professionals.

This promising cohort is led by some of Nigeria’s most distinguished film industry figures. Among them are internationally acclaimed filmmaker Ike Nnaebue, esteemed writer, director, and producer Femi Odugbemi—who also founded the Irep Film Festival—and BBC West Africa correspondent Mayeni Jones. Joining them are 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 significant presence at the marketplace with their dedicated stand, acting as a central hub for international filmmakers and production companies eager to collaborate with Nigerian talent. This presence underscores the growing global interest in Nigeria’s burgeoning documentary filmmaking scene.

On the marketplace’s second day, the Nigerian delegation hosted a compelling session that explored the challenges and opportunities surrounding training, funding, and production distribution in Africa, particularly Nigeria. Esteemed panelists Ike Nnaebue, Mayeni Jones, Sophie Bouillon, and Femi Odugbemi provided deep insights and spurred engaging conversations, while attendees benefited from invaluable networking opportunities.

This session was particularly impactful for four young Nigerian filmmakers who presented their pilot projects to an international audience of filmmakers, broadcasters, and funders. Notably, Zainab Bala stood out as the only female filmmaker from Northern Nigeria selected for this prestigious fellowship. She expressed her honor and excitement in a LinkedIn post, stating, “It’s an honor 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 reflects Storymi Academy’s dedication to representing Nigeria’s diverse geopolitical landscape.

Christophe Pecot, who transitioned from a career as a documentary sales agent to the French diplomatic corps, emphasized the French Embassy’s commitment to nurturing Nigeria’s documentary and animation ecosystem. “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,” he remarked.

The participation of Nigerian filmmakers at Sunnyside of the Doc not only highlights the vibrant and growing film industry in Nigeria but also opens new avenues for international collaboration and funding. With the backing of Storymi Academy and the French Embassy, these emerging filmmakers are poised to make significant contributions to the global documentary landscape.

As Sunnyside of the Doc progresses, the Nigerian delegation continues to be a focal point, showcasing the rich storytelling potential and creative talent emerging from Africa’s most populous nation.