Nkechi First
Published: 20 November 2024
Nkechi’s PhD research will look at women in Nollywood and the role of female directors in transforming gender narratives.
Nkechi First is a filmmaker, writer, and media practitioner with a passion for storytelling, gender representation, and African cinema. She holds a BA in Broadcast Production from the University of the West of Scotland and has recently completed her MA in Creative Media Practice. Nkechi also has a background in linguistics and journalism, and her creative work spans both fiction and documentary forms. As an advocate for women’s voices in media, she uses film and digital storytelling to explore issues of identity, culture, and empowerment. Nkechi is also the founder of Power2Her, a women-focused initiative promoting confidence, skills development, and representation across media platforms.
Nkechi’s PhD project in the School of Culture & Creative Arts investigates the role of female directors in Nollywood and their influence on gender representation in Nigerian cinema. The research critically examines how women in the industry challenge traditional narratives, reshape cultural perceptions, and navigate a male-dominated filmmaking space. Through a combination of film analysis, interviews, and industry case studies, the project highlights the creative and social impact of Nollywood’s women filmmakers. This work contributes to broader discourses on African cinema, feminist film theory, and representation in global media.
First published: 20 November 2024