African filmakers tell their own side of the story

We've been brunching and watching the future of Nollywood with Indieview Lagos

At COCOA, our passion for the arts goes beyond admiring the final works that entertain, provoke, and inspire us. We are deeply committed to the storytellers—the filmmakers, musicians, visual artists, and theater creators—whose talent and dedication give rise to these extraordinary pieces. We believe that understanding their creative journeys and the process behind each work is as essential as experiencing the finished product itself.

When we set out to organize a film festival, it was clear that we wanted more than just screenings. We wanted to foster connections, celebrate the makers themselves, and delve into the stories behind the screen. In collaboration with Indieview Lagos, we launched our first Filmmaker’s Roundtable, a gathering designed to spotlight the creators, explore their craft, and share insights into the art of filmmaking.

This year’s roundtable featured a lineup of remarkable talents: Adeniyi Joseph Omobulejo (Taj), whose meta-drama Kill the Impostor debuted in October 2022; Oluchi Mary Nsofor, known for multiple releases this year, including The Amazons, which captures the lives of five Nigerian athletes; Orobosa Ikponmwen, producer of Kali and Mimi: The Mathletes; Gold Gerry, director of the heartwarming film Boo’d Up; and Adesola Oni, who wrote and directed Gbese.

Meet these visionary filmmakers and discover the stories that drive their art.