Nollywood, the heartbeat of African cinema, is more than just a prolific film industry. It’s a cultural phenomenon, a storytelling powerhouse, and a global bridge connecting African voices to audiences around the world. At the center of this movement is award-winning filmmaker Ema Edosio, whose bold, emotionally grounded films are shaping the future of Nigerian storytelling.
In her interview with TransPerfect Media as part of The Inside Series, Ema dives into the realities of filmmaking in Nollywood and the transformative role of media localization in bringing these stories to the global stage. From subtitling to dubbing, accessibility to audience engagement, she explains why localization isn’t a luxury; it’s a bridge
“Localization allows stories to travel far beyond their origin,” Ema shares. Whether it’s capturing the humor and vibrancy of Lagos life in “Kasala!” or exploring the complexities of modern Nigeria in “When Nigeria Happens”, making films accessible to different languages and cultures has become central to reaching wider audiences.
Ema also reflects on her journey as a filmmaker. From training at the New York Film Academy to crafting narratives for EbonyLife TV and other major outlets, she underscores the importance of authenticity, emotional resonance, and visual honesty in storytelling. Her work is a testament to the power of African cinema to resonate globally while staying deeply rooted in local culture.
For TransPerfect Media, collaborating with filmmakers like Ema underscores our mission: providing the tools, expertise, and infrastructure to ensure that African stories are told with precision, quality, and global reach. From subtitling and dubbing in multiple languages to technical support that meets international standards, our services help Nollywood content cross borders and connect with audiences worldwide.
This is just the beginning. In the full interview, Ema shares insights into her creative process, the evolution of Nollywood, and the strategies filmmakers can use to amplify their global impact.
Watch the full interview on our YouTube channel to go deeper into Ema Edosio’s journey and discover how localization is shaping the future of African storytelling.
THE INSIDE SERIES:
We’re thrilled to introduce The Inside Series, a deep dive into the world of media localization and global entertainment. This series offers an exclusive, behind-the-scenes look at the stories, strategies, and innovations shaping the world’s leading film industries, from Nollywood to Hollywood, Bollywood, and beyond.
For our debut edition, we go INSIDE NOLLYWOOD, Nigeria’s vibrant and influential film industry, ranked as the second largest in the world by output. With over 2,500 films produced annually and a market valued at more than $3 billion, Nollywood is more than a film industry; it’s a cultural powerhouse, captivating audiences across Africa and around the globe.
Through The Inside Series, we spotlight the creators, visionaries, and innovations driving these industries, and the pivotal role of localization, accessibility, and global reach in bringing their stories to audiences worldwide.
TRANSPERFECT MEDIA
TransPerfect Media elevates storytelling for audiences around the world through content creation and globalization solutions delivered via a network of company-owned and operated studios across 21 countries. TransPerfect Media’s hybrid model combines cutting-edge artificial intelligence technology with creative expertise, all managed through its cloud-based content creation platform, enabling agile localization and distribution.
By bringing together top-tier talent with Dolby Atmos and Dolby HDR projection capabilities, and offering services that include picture and sound post-production, subtitling, dubbing, accessibility, voiceover, multi-platform delivery, preservation, and restoration, TransPerfect Media stands at the intersection of boutique specialization and global-scale excellence — helping you tell your story in any
language.
For more information, email: media@transperfect.com.
