Rollpay Africa and Filmmakers Mart hosted an inspiring film screening titled “Nigeria Through My Lens” at Alliance Française, Ikoyi, Lagos. The event brought together leaders in the entertainment and business industries to celebrate Nigeria’s vibrant storytelling culture through the eyes of emerging filmmakers.
The initiative began in June 2025, when a nationwide call was made for Nigerian storytellers to submit short film ideas that capture the essence of Nigeria’s independence and identity. The call received over 250 submissions from across the country. After a rigorous selection process by a panel of accomplished filmmakers, three finalists were selected and awarded ₦3 million each to produce their short films.
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The selected films, Service Charge by Tomi Folowosele, Black Sands by Agatha Doowuese Akaahar, and Shifting Sands by Melvin Iwinosa, offered distinct perspectives on the Nigerian experience.
Service Charge explores the struggles of a young woman seeking independence, who finally secures a modest apartment only to face unjust fees from her agent and landlord. Shifting Sands tells the story of a young boy whose dreams of a better future are shattered by war, leaving him to grapple with loss and uncertainty.
Black Sands sheds light on the tragic killings and displacement of families in the Middle Belt region, portraying the resilience of communities torn apart by conflict.
During the screening, each filmmaker shared personal insights about their creative journeys and the inspiration behind their films.
“When I think of Nigeria, it’s either I laugh, cry, or get really upset. Nigeria itself is a satire; it feels like we’re living in a simulation. This story was easy to tell because I could relate to it,” said Tomi Folowosele, director of Service Charge.
Melvin Iwinosa, creator of Shifting Sands, revealed that Nigeria’s civil war formed the backdrop of his film and that he drew inspiration from Chinua Achebe’s philosophy to shape his storytelling approach.
Agatha Doowuese Akaahar shared that Black Sands was deeply personal: “It was important for me to tell this story because it reflects what my people have experienced for the last 20 years. Working with crew members from the Middle Belt brought authenticity to the film.”
As part of the evening’s highlights, Filmmakers Mart and Rollpay Africa presented a ₦1 million support grant to the three filmmakers in recognition of their creative effort and contribution to authentic Nigerian storytelling. The support fund was shared across the three filmmakers, with
₦500,000, ₦300,000, and ₦200,000 awarded respectively. This initiative was aimed at encouraging them to continue their storytelling journey.
Speaking at the event, Chioma Paul-Dike, Chief Product Officer at Filmmakers Mart, emphasised the purpose of the initiative:
“We wanted to see how storytellers in Nigeria perceive Nigeria, especially through the voices of emerging talents. This is only the beginning. Our goal is to continue initiatives like this to support the industry in Nigeria and beyond.”
Oluwaseun Lawal, Marketing Manager at Filmmakers Mart, also highlighted the significance of the project:
“The volume of entries we received shows that there are countless emerging talents in Nigeria with powerful stories to tell. They just lack the resources and tools. Our mission is to empower them with both funding and innovative solutions to make filmmaking seamless.”
A key highlight of the evening was the presentation of Filmmakers Mart and Rollpay Africa, two technology-driven platforms simplifying the filmmaking process across Africa.
Since its launch in 2021, Filmmakers Mart (FMM) has evolved into a trusted marketplace connecting filmmakers with verified service providers such as film permits, equipment rentals, catering, and accommodation in Nigeria, Ghana, Kenya, and South Africa. Recently, FMM partnered with Cornerstone Insurance Plc to introduce insurance packages for filmmakers, ensuring safer productions and peace of mind on set.
Rollpay Africa provides a payment and payroll management system tailored for production teams. With Rollpay, filmmakers can automate cast and crew payments, track expenses, file taxes, and maintain transparent records. The platform fosters trust, accountability, and efficiency.
The event concluded with a networking session where guests including filmmakers, industry leaders, and investors discussed the evolving role of technology in African storytelling and the opportunities ahead for emerging creatives.
As Rollpay Africa and Filmmakers Mart continue to champion innovation in the film industry, Nigeria Through Lens stands as a testament to their shared commitment to empowering storytellers, nurturing local talent, and celebrating authentic Nigerian narratives.
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