Emmy-Winning Filmmaker Joel Kachi Benson Signs with Cinetic, Amplifying African Storytelling
Lagos, Nigeria – September 26, 2024 – Cinetic Media has announced a meaningful partnership, signing award-winning Nigerian filmmaker Joel Kachi Benson for management representation. This collaboration aims to propel Benson’s impactful non-fiction work onto the global stage and foster the development of a groundbreaking slate of original films.
A Historic Emmy Win & The Power of “Madu“
Joel Kachi Benson made history earlier this year. He became the first Nigerian filmmaker to receive an Emmy Award, recognized for his directing work on the Disney Original Documentary, “Madu.” The film earned the prestigious award for Outstanding Arts and Culture Documentary.
“This Emmy is a win for Nigeria, for Africa, and for storytellers everywhere,” Benson stated. “It’s proof that our stories matter, and when told with care, they can travel and transform.”
“Madu” – co-directed with Oscar nominee Matt Ogens and produced by hunting lane – beautifully chronicles the inspiring journey of anthony Madu. It follows his rise from a viral sensation performing barefoot ballet in Lagos to receiving a scholarship at the renowned Elmhurst Ballet School in the U.K.
Expanding a Powerful Documentary Portfolio
Currently based in Lagos, Benson is actively developing a compelling series of non-fiction projects designed for international audiences. These include:
* A feature-length documentary spotlighting one of Africa’s most prosperous women’s soccer teams.
* A feature-length documentary exploring the complex aftermath of a kidnapping case.
These projects build upon Benson’s already impressive body of work. His recent documentary, “Mothers of Chibok,” premiered at Doc NYC 2024 and is currently captivating audiences on the international festival circuit.
Giving Voice to the Unheard: “Mothers of Chibok” & “Daughters of Chibok”
“Mothers of Chibok” offers a poignant look at the resilience of the women whose daughters were tragically abducted during the 2014 Chibok Boko Haram kidnappings. It serves as a powerful sequel to Benson’s immersive documentary, “Daughters of Chibok.”
Notably, “Daughters of chibok” earned Benson the Venice Lion for Best Immersive Story at the 76th Venice Film Festival. He became the first filmmaker from the African continent to achieve this honor in the category.
“Stories like ’Madu’ and ‘Mothers of chibok’ reinforce my belief that documentaries truly can change lives,” Benson explains.”They allow us to bridge divides, foster understanding, and amplify voices that need to be heard.”
A Vision for the Future: The lagos Storytelling Institute
Driven by a deep commitment to African storytelling, Benson envisions establishing a first-of-its-kind storytelling institute in Lagos. This institute will focus on equipping emerging filmmakers with the practical skills needed for factual filmmaking and impact-driven narratives.
You can expect this institute to function as both an incubator and a platform. It will help African stories reach and resonate with global audiences.
What does this mean for you? It means a new wave of powerful, authentic stories from Africa are on the horizon, thanks to the vision of joel Kachi Benson and the support of Cinetic Media. This partnership promises to elevate African voices and reshape the landscape of documentary filmmaking.
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