Benneth Nwankwo: A Rising Voice In Nollywood Revolution.

What initially sparked your passion for filmmaking, and how has your journey evolved since you began?

My passion for filmmaking was sparked by my initial love for storytelling through writing. At 16, I published my first book and was eager to continue sharing my stories with the world.

However, as I went deeper into the literary scene, I witnessed many talented writers struggling to gain recognition, and I realised that the reading culture especially in Nigeria was dwindling.

This reality led me to explore alternative mediums for storytelling, and I discovered photography. Through photography, I found a new way to capture and convey emotions, themes and narratives. This journey ultimately led me to filmmaking, and it’s been the best decision I’ve ever made.

Today, as an award-winning filmmaker and founder of BN Media Films, I have had the privilege of directing and producing remarkable films and series that have resonated with audiences. I am grateful for the twists and turns that have led me to where I am today, and I am excited to see what the future holds for my filmmaking career.

Your films often explore your passion for authentic African stories. What draws you to these narratives, and what messages do you hope to convey to your audience?

I grew up reading and watching American stories. But as I got older, I connected more with my African heritage. This inspired me to tell authentic African stories through film.

My films explore issues that affect us as Africans. I want to spark conversations and challenge societal norms. I believe that by sharing our stories, we can promote understanding and empathy.

Our series ‘Class of Secrets’ looks at the challenges faced by young people in elite Nigerian high schools. We explore themes such as peer pressure, family expectations, and self-discovery.

In my first film, ‘My Story’, I tackled police brutality in Nigeria. I wanted to highlight the need for systemic change and accountability. I hope that by sharing this story, I can inspire others to speak out against injustice.

Through my films, I aim to show the world a nuanced view of the African experience. I want to move beyond stereotypes and showcase the diversity and complexity of our cultures.

Ultimately, I believe that storytelling has the power to inspire change. I hope that my films can contribute to a more empathetic and understanding world.

As a young filmmaker achieving both local and international recognition, what challenges have you faced, and how have you overcome them?

As a young filmmaker, I have faced many challenges. One of the biggest problems is getting funding for my films. It is very hard to find the money to make a film, especially when you are an independent filmmaker.
Filmmaking is a expensive business. You need to pay for equipment, locations, and actors. Even small films can be costly. To make a film, you need a team of people, and that costs money.

Another problem is finding the right audience for your film. You need to advertise and promote your film, but that is expensive too. To get past these problems, I have had to ask for help from friends and family.

I have also used my own savings to fund my films. This is not an ideal solution, but it has allowed me to keep making films. I am passionate about storytelling, and I will do whatever it takes to keep pursuing my dreams.

How do you see the African film industry evolving in the coming years, and what role do you believe young filmmakers play in this transformation?

I think the African film industry will keep growing and changing in the next few years. There are now more ways than ever for African filmmakers to share their stories with people all over the world.
Young filmmakers like me will play a big part in this change. We bring new ideas and perspectives to the industry. We are not afraid to take risks and try new things.

We also understand how to use technology to reach new audiences and build communities around our films. This is important because it helps us to share our stories with more people.
In the next few years, I think we will see more African films being recognized and praised internationally. We will also see new talent emerging and new voices being heard.

More independent film production companies and studios will be set up. This will give filmmakers more opportunities to make the films they want to make.

However, there are still some challenges we need to overcome. One of the biggest challenges is getting enough money to make our films. We also need better equipment and facilities to help us make high-quality films.

Another challenge is getting our films seen by enough people. We need to find ways to distribute our films to a wider audience.

But I am optimistic about the future. I think that if we work together and support each other, we can build a thriving film industry that showcases the best of African culture.

As a young filmmaker, I am committed to doing my part. I want to make films that show the complexity and richness of African life. I also want to help other young filmmakers to achieve their goals.

In fact, I am currently working on a new project that I am really excited about. It’s a platform that will help everyone in the Nollywood industry, from cast to crew, to improve their skills and work more efficiently.
I’m not allowed to say too much about it just yet, but I can say that it’s going to be launched on 26th March 2025.

I think it has the potential to make a real difference in the industry, and I’m looking forward to sharing it with everyone soon.

What advice would you give to aspiring filmmakers who are looking to make their mark in the industry?

My advice is short. Kwechiri.

Could you share insights into your creative process, from initial concept to final production?

My creative process starts with an idea. I think about how to turn it into a story.
Next, scripting. We create characters, a plot and dialogue.
Then, I assemble my team.

We plan the production together. We find locations, cast actors and arrange equipment.
We also plan for post-production. This includes editing, visual effects and sound design.
We develop a plan for promotion and PR too. We create a marketing strategy and design promotional materials.

Once we’re ready, we start filming. This is the exciting part – bringing the script to life.
After filming, we move on to post-production. We edit the footage, add visual effects and mix the audio.
Finally, we promote the film.
We release trailers, attend film festivals and reach out to critics and audiences.
Throughout the process, I stay focused on my original idea. I’m open to new ideas and perspectives too.

What are your upcoming projects, and what are your aspirations for the future of your filmmaking career?

I have many upcoming projects that I am excited about. As I mentioned earlier, I’m working on a new project that I’m not allowed to talk about just yet.

But I can say that it’s something that will benefit the Nollywood industry as a whole.As for films, we have two series in the works that are looking very promising. Unfortunately, I’m not allowed to share the working titles just yet.

Let’s just say that they’re going to be big and exciting!As for my aspirations, I hope to continue making films that tell important African stories.I want to showcase the diversity and complexity of our cultures, and to challenge stereotypes and misconceptions.

In the future, I see myself working on bigger and more ambitious projects. I would love to collaborate with other filmmakers and industry professionals from around the world. I’m excited to see where my career takes me, and I’m looking forward to the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead