PRESS RELEASE.
Award-winning filmmaker and producer Biodun Stephen has announced her partnership and support for the Female Representation & Advancement in Media (FRAME) project, an initiative by the Women In The Arts Collective set to debut at the Nigerian Film & TV Summit (NIFS) 2025 on Tuesday, August 26, at the Legend Hotel, Ikeja, Lagos.
FRAME is an incubator and accelerator programme designed to amplify female voices and representation in the arts and media space, with a strong focus on Nollywood.
The initiative will provide emerging female filmmakers and storytellers with mentorship, training, and resources to develop their craft, tell compelling stories, and navigate the industry more effectively.
By fostering community and promoting inclusivity, the programme aims to break barriers and expand the landscape of female-driven storytelling in Nigerian film.
While Nollywood has long been a cultural force, many of its stories have historically been dominated by male perspectives, often narrowing the portrayal of women on-screen and limiting female influence behind the scenes. FRAME seeks to challenge this imbalance and create space for women’s voices to thrive.
As co-presenter, Biodun Stephen will deliver a presentation titled “Rewriting Her Story”, which will combine research, industry insights, and lived experiences to spark conversation on representation, inclusivity, and equity in Nigerian cinema.
She will also join the panel discussion “Rewriting Her Story, Shaping the Future: Women’s Voices in Nigerian Film”, alongside industry veterans Ego Boyo and Women In The Arts convener Brenda Fashugba, with Wana Udobang moderating.
The conversation will focus on strategies to increase female representation in leadership roles, improve workplace safety, and encourage stories that reflect the diverse realities of women.
Stephen’s participation underscores her long-standing commitment to supporting women in the creative industries and advocating for a Nollywood where female talent has equal opportunities to lead and create.
“For too long, women’s stories have been told for them, not by them. This film incubator and accelerator programme is a platform where women can take control of their narratives—both on and off screen—backed by the training, mentorship, and resources they need to succeed,” she said.
FRAME will also offer funding pathways for women-led projects and drive a commitment to inclusive storytelling that dismantles harmful stereotypes.
Admission to NIFS 2025 is free with registration. For more information and to register, visit https://bit.ly/45J8l3c.
