By Edith Nwekenta

Filmmaking is more than just a profession, it is a lifelong commitment to storytelling. It is about bringing ideas to life, using fiction to explore truth, and constantly learning along the way. But beyond creativity, directing is about leadership, problem solving, and trusting your instincts.

The first time I stepped onto a film set, I realized directing was not just about having a vision, it was about making that vision work in real life. Can you guide actors to bring their characters to life? Can you work with your team to solve problems on the fly? Can you stay calm when things do not go as planned? These are the things that separate a good director from a great one.

A director brings a story to life, shaping every detail to make sure it connects with the audience in the best way possible. Every shot, every performance, and every edit plays a role in how the story is experienced. It is exciting, but also a huge responsibility.

One thing I have learned over the years is that storytelling is a team effort. Whether I am working on a feature film like The Order of Things, a TV series like The Olive, or music videos for artists like Stonebwoy and Patoranking, the best projects happen when everyone brings their skills to the table. A director is not there to control everything, they are there to guide, collaborate, and bring out the best in their team. But even with a great team, unexpected challenges can arise.

There was a time on set when an actor was unavailable at the last minute, which could have easily delayed production. Instead of losing the day, we quickly adjusted the schedule, rearranged scenes, and shifted focus to other parts of the script that could be filmed. It was a reminder that directing is not just about following a plan, it is about being flexible and making quick decisions to keep things moving. The ability to stay calm and problem solve under pressure is one of the most important skills a filmmaker can have.

Filmmaking is also about impact. Stories shape how people see themselves and the world around them. When audiences see powerful, authentic African stories on screen, it challenges outdated ideas and opens up new possibilities. We are not just here to entertain, we are here to create stories that matter.

That is why it is so important for us to take control of our own narratives. For too long, African stories have been told from an outside perspective, often reducing us to clichés of struggle or survival. But Africa is so much more than that. It is innovation, ambition, love, resilience, and creativity.

But let’s be real, directing is not just about creative vision, it is also about problem solving. Every production has its challenges, tight budgets, difficult locations, technical setbacks. The best directors stay adaptable and find solutions instead of getting stuck. That ability to think on your feet is what makes all the difference.

Aspiring filmmakers often ask me how to get started, and I always say, just start. Do not wait for the perfect budget or the perfect opportunity. Make short films, experiment, learn by doing. Watch films from different cultures, work on passion projects, and surround yourself with people who inspire you. Every project, no matter how small, is a step forward.

Filmmaking is not just about making movies, it is about telling stories that stay with people. As directors, we have the power to change how people see the world. And that, to me, is the greatest responsibility of all.



https://www.vanguardngr.com/2025/03/the-directors-eye-crafting-stories-that-resonate/