ward-winning Nigerian filmmaker and producer Biodun Stephen has announced her partnership with the Women in the Arts Collective to support the Female Representation & Advancement in Media (F.R.A.M.E.) Programme. This groundbreaking initiative will debut at the Nigerian Film & TV Summit (NIFS) 2025 on Tuesday, August 26, 2025, at the Legend Hotel, Ikeja, Lagos.
Driving Female Representation in Nollywood
The F.R.A.M.E. Programme is an innovative incubator and accelerator designed to amplify women’s voices in film, television, and media. Focused on Nollywood, it will provide mentorship, training, funding pathways, and industry resources to emerging female storytellers, helping them refine their craft and tell compelling, authentic stories.
By creating a supportive and inclusive community, FRAME aims to dismantle stereotypes, empower female creatives, and spotlight the diversity of women’s experiences in Nigerian cinema.
Why It Matters
Nollywood, one of the world’s largest film industries, has shaped Africa’s cultural identity for decades. However, women’s contributions have often been overshadowed, with female characters limited to stereotypes and women filmmakers facing systemic barriers. FRAME seeks to change that narrative by championing gender equity, inclusivity, and opportunities for women both behind and in front of the camera.
Biodun Stephen: Leading the Conversation
As a co-presenter, Biodun Stephen will deliver a keynote presentation titled “Rewriting Her Story”. The session will explore how women have been portrayed in Nollywood, drawing from research, industry insights, and lived experiences to spark meaningful conversations on representation and equity.
She will also join the high-level panel “Rewriting Her Story, Shaping the Future: Women’s Voices in Nigerian Film” alongside industry pioneer Ego Boyo and Women in the Arts Convener Brenda Fashugba, moderated by Wana Udobang. The discussion will highlight strategies for:
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Increasing female leadership in Nollywood
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Ensuring safer, inclusive workspaces
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Promoting storytelling that reflects women’s diverse realities
A Call for Change
“For too long, women’s stories have been told for them, not by them,” said Biodun Stephen. “This programme gives women the tools, mentorship, and support to reclaim their narratives and shape Nollywood’s future.”
The FRAME initiative will also open funding opportunities for women-led projects, ensuring that inclusivity extends beyond training into real-world impact.
Event Details
The FRAME Programme will officially launch at NIFS 2025. Admission is free with registration.
👉 Register here now
