At the Filmmakers Mart x RollPay screening for Nigeria Through My Lens, emerging storytellers gathered in Lagos to present short films that captured the pulse of everyday Nigerian life—political violence (‘Black Sands’ by Doowuese Akaahar), housing struggles (‘Service Charge’ by Tomi Folowosele), war (‘Shifting Sands’ by Melvin Sunday) and an enduring hope for change. The showcase brought together filmmakers at the start of their journeys, offering them not only a platform but also access to new technology designed to ease the challenges of film production.
Speaking at the event, Chioma Paul Dike, co-founder of Filmmakers Mart and RollPay, emphasised the importance of supporting new voices in the industry. “Emerging storytellers deserve a foot in the door, and that’s something we want to do,” she said. “Someone gave us a chance when we started Filmmakers’ Mart and RollPay, so it is paramount that we pass on the baton.”
As part of the programme, selected filmmakers were given hands-on access to Filmmakers Mart’s logistics tools and RollPay’s production-finance solution. According to Dike, the goal was to let young filmmakers experience what streamlined, tech-enabled production could feel like. “We’ve spent months building and testing our MVP with production companies,” she noted. “This showcase was the final lap—letting emerging talents use it, embrace the technology, and see how it can fit into their day-to-day production experience. It was a great moment to hear them say it made their work easier and more seamless.”
For many of the participating filmmakers, the technology offered their first glimpse of what it means to create without being overwhelmed by the operational burdens that often plague Nigerian productions.
Oluwaseun Lawal, marketing lead, highlighted the broader challenges affecting the African film sector—most notably funding and the lack of accessible production tools. “There are so many challenges affecting the African film industry, and one of them is funding,” he explained. “We saw that there is a gap, how can people tell stories if they don’t have the resources or tools to tell those stories?”
Lawal added that beyond financial capital, filmmakers need systems that allow them to focus solely on creativity. “We’re redefining logistics in Nollywood with Filmmakers Mart and revolutionising payments in the African film space with RollPay. We’ve gone beyond the days when filmmakers had to dabble in everything. We want them to just create. Focus on your film, focus on your story—our tools will do the rest.”
The Nigeria Through My Lens showcase demonstrated exactly why such support matters. The short films presented—raw, intimate, and deeply rooted in lived Nigerian experience—tackled issues that shape daily life for millions. For many attendees, the event underscored the urgency of nurturing new voices who understand the country from the inside.
With Filmmakers Mart and RollPay working to democratise access to essential filmmaking resources, the screening served as a testament to what becomes possible when talent meets opportunity. The hope is that these young storytellers, now equipped with both visibility and tools, can continue sharpening their lenses on Nigeria and helping audiences see the country anew.
