Nigerian filmmaker Joel Kachi Benson has received global recognition as his immersive documentary film Madu secures two prestigious nominations at the International Emmy Awards. The film, which follows the journey of 12-year-old Madu, a Nigerian boy who overcomes hardship through ballet, has touched audiences worldwide with its emotional depth and innovative storytelling.
Joel Kachi Benson, known for pioneering virtual reality storytelling in Africa, has been vocal about why he chose filmmaking as a path. In a recent interview, he revealed that his decision was born out of a desire to tell authentic African stories that reflect the resilience, creativity, and spirit of its people. I became a filmmaker because I wanted to change the narrative, he said. There are so many stories in Nigeria and across Africa that are waiting to be told stories that are not just about poverty and struggle, but about hope, triumph, and inspiration.
Madu, produced in collaboration with international partners, showcases Benson’s commitment to merging technology with storytelling. Shot using virtual reality techniques, the film gives viewers an immersive experience of Madu’s world from the narrow streets of Ajegunle in Lagos to the prestigious Elmhurst Ballet School in the UK, where Madu eventually earns a scholarship. The film not only highlights the transformative power of art but also underscores the importance of opportunity and support in shaping young lives.
This is not Benson’s first moment in the international spotlight. His previous film, Daughters of Chibok, which told the stories of mothers affected by the 2014 Chibok schoolgirl kidnapping, won the Venice Lion Award for Best VR Story in 2019. With Madu, Benson continues to break new ground, placing Nigerian stories on a global stage and pushing the boundaries of traditional documentary filmmaking.
The Emmy nominations come as a nod to his excellence in direction and innovation. For Benson, however, the awards are a bonus. At the heart of it all, my goal is to impact lives, he said. If one child watches Madu and dares to dream, then I’ve done my job.
As Nigeria celebrates this achievement, Benson’s work serves as a reminder that African filmmakers have powerful stories to tell and the world is finally listening.
