Nollywood Filmmaker Partners Women in the Arts to Drive Gender Equitable Storytelling

Yinka Olatunbosun

Award-winning filmmaker and producer, Biodun Stephen has announced her partnership and support for the Female Representation and Advancement in Media project tagged F.R.A.M.E. This is an ambitious initiative curated by the Women in The Arts Collective set to debut at the Nigerian Film & TV Summit (NIFS) 2025 on Tuesday, August 26th 2025, at the Legend Hotel, Ikeja, Lagos.

F.R.A.M.E. is a pioneering incubator and accelerator programme dedicated to amplifying female voices and representation in the Arts and Media space with a focus on Nollywood. This innovative initiative provides emerging female filmmakers and storytellers with mentorship, training, and resources to develop compelling stories, build their craft, and navigate the industry. By fostering a supportive community and promoting inclusivity, the programme aims to shatter glass ceilings and redefine the narrative of Nigerian film, showcasing the diverse talents and perspectives of female focused storytelling.

For decades, Nollywood has been a cultural powerhouse, shaping how Nigeria and Africa tell their stories. Yet, many of these narratives have been dominated by male perspectives, often reducing female characters to narrow stereotypes and limiting women’s influence behind the scenes. F.R.A.M.E. seeks to address this imbalance head-on.

As co-presenter, Biodun Stephen will shed light on the historical and ongoing portrayal of women in Nigerian cinema through a presentation titled “Rewriting Her Story.” The presentation will combine research, industry insights, and lived experiences to spark conversations on representation, inclusivity, and equity.

Biodun Stephen will also join the panel conversation “Rewriting Her Story, Shaping the Future: Women’s Voices in Nigerian Film,” alongside industry icons Ego Boyo and Women in The Arts Convener; Brenda Fashugba, with Wana Udobang moderating. The discussion will explore strategies for increasing female representation in leadership roles in the Film and TV industry, enhancing workplace safety, and creating stories that accurately reflect the diverse experiences of women.

Biodun Stephen’s involvement reflects her continued dedication to championing women in the creative industry and her belief in 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,” Biodun Stephen says. “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,” said Biodun Stephen.

F.R.A.M.E. will also provide funding pathways for women-led projects and a commitment to inclusive storytelling that dismantles harmful stereotypes.