Filmmaker and director Bolanle Austen-Peters has shared the passion for creating movies with deep historical context, aiming to showcase the best of Nigeria to global audiences.
In an interview on Rubbin’ Minds, Austen-Peters emphasised desire to share Nigerian stories, connecting with Nigerians in the diaspora and promoting a positive image of the country.
“I do what I do because I enjoy it; telling Nigerian stories through the different avenues that I have, ensuring that we put Nigeria on the front burner. People get to see the best out of Nigeria. This is the connect for Nigerians in the diaspora. We bring home to them wherever they are.
“The strength that I bring in is also the strength that I have had from stage. The years of honing my skill on stage have taught me that you can’t cheat. People see everything,” she said.
With a background in theatre, Austen-Peters leverages her experience to produce high-quality films, acknowledging the importance of attention to detail and global standards.
According to her, she strives for excellence, recognising that local content can reach a global audience instantly.
“We see movies abroad and they spend billions of dollars to give you the content they give you for you to chew. In Nigeria, we have to get to the point where we cannot compromise. We cannot compromise talents. We cannot think that we’re operating for a local audience. The world is smaller. Everything you do here is seen across many oceans in nanoseconds. I’m not operating with the mindset that this is local. I’m operating with a mindset that whatever I do must have that global standard of excellence in it,” she said.
Austen-Peters’ vision is to elevate Nigerian storytelling, talent, and production quality, competing with international standards.
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