Kachi Benson Wins Emmy, Urges Support For Nigerian Documentary Filmmakers

Nigerian documentary filmmaker Joel Kachi Benson has described his recent Emmy Award win as a turning point for nonfiction filmmaking in Nigeria and called for more accessible funding for storytellers in the genre.

Speaking to Channels Television, Benson reflected on his early days in the industry, saying his passion for documentaries was initially met with doubt—even from friends. “When I first said I wanted to make documentaries, my friends thought I was half crazy,” he said. “But I loved real stories, and that was enough.”

Benson made history in June as the first Nigerian to win an Emmy for Outstanding Arts and Culture Documentary at the News and Documentary Emmy Awards in New York. His winning film, “Madu,” co-directed with Oscar-nominated Matt Ogens, follows the journey of Nigerian ballet dancer Anthony Madu, whose viral video dancing barefoot in the rain eventually earned him a scholarship in the UK.

“I see myself in Anthony—pursuing a dream that seemed impossible,” Benson said.

The Disney Original Documentary “Madu” also earned a nomination for Outstanding Direction and was selected over other contenders including “As We Speak: Rap Music on Trial” and “Hollywood Black.”

Benson used the moment to spotlight challenges faced by Nigerian documentary filmmakers, particularly the lack of access to funding. “That’s the biggest hurdle,” he said. “I’m now focused on ways young filmmakers can access support—even in small amounts—to pursue their ideas.”

He added that he is already in discussions with iREP founder Femi Odugbemi and other stakeholders to find sustainable ways to open up the field.

“It shouldn’t be limited to a select few. The more voices we support, the better our industry and our country,” he said.

Benson also revealed that his latest film, “Mothers of Chibok,” a follow-up to his earlier work “Daughters of Chibok,” won three major awards at the Encounters South Africa International Film Festival, including Best Documentary and the Al Jazeera Prize.

“It validates the work we’re doing and amplifies the voices of the women we featured,” he said. “It’s been an amazing weekend an Emmy and a continental prize. That’s great.”