In a landmark moment for Nigerian cinema and African storytelling, Joel Kachi Benson, an acclaimed Nigerian documentary filmmaker, has won the 2025 Emmy Award for Outstanding Arts and Culture Documentary for his inspiring film “Madu.”
The prestigious award was presented at the News and Documentary Emmy Awards ceremony held in New York City, marking a monumental recognition of African excellence in global documentary filmmaking.
“Madu” tells the compelling real-life story of Anthony Madu, a young boy from a modest Lagos community who became an international symbol of resilience and artistry after a video of him dancing ballet barefoot in the rain went viral in 2020.
The short clip, which captured the grace and passion of a child dancing against the odds, earned global attention — and a life-changing scholarship to the Elmhurst Ballet School in the UK, one of the world’s top ballet academies.
Reacting to the Emmy win, Benson expressed gratitude to his collaborators and dedicated the award to Anthony and countless dreamers across Africa:
“This is a great honour. Thanks to Disney and the entire team at Hunting Lane. This win is for Nigeria, and we dedicate it to Anthony Madu and every child out there with a dream. The world is waiting to hear your story.”
Joel Benson, known for his documentary work that humanizes underreported stories, is no stranger to international acclaim. He previously won Best Virtual Reality Story at the Venice Film Festival in 2019 for “Daughters of Chibok,” a VR documentary about the kidnapped Chibok schoolgirls.
“Madu” was produced by Hunting Lane Films and released globally on Disney+, gaining praise for its emotional depth, authentic narrative, and powerful visuals. The film captured not just the physical journey from Lagos to Birmingham but also the emotional, cultural, and psychological evolution of a young boy navigating fame, identity, and discipline.
Benson’s storytelling sheds light on how talent, when nurtured, can transcend socio-economic barriers and create global impact.
Joel Benson’s Emmy win is another testament to the growing global recognition of African creatives in mainstream media spaces. It underscores the power of local stories with universal appeal and reinforces the role of streaming platforms like Disney+ in amplifying diverse voices.
This milestone comes at a time when the Nigerian creative industry is seeing unprecedented global interest, with Nollywood actors, Afrobeat musicians, and now documentary filmmakers making waves on the international stage.
In addition to celebrating Benson’s achievement, “Madu” has sparked conversations about the need to invest in arts education, talent discovery, and storytelling infrastructure across Africa. Industry watchers believe that the Emmy win could open more doors for emerging filmmakers and young artists from underserved communities.
With this Emmy Award, Joel Benson not only cements his status as one of Africa’s most impactful storytellers but also reaffirms that authentic African stories can inspire the world. “Madu” is more than a documentary; it’s a testament to the human spirit, the power of dreams, and the importance of giving young talents the stage they deserve.
As Anthony Madu continues to train abroad and Joel Benson eyes his next project, one thing remains clear: Nigeria’s voice in global storytelling is growing louder — and more inspiring — by the day.