There’s something powerful about being in the same room with people who get it.
The late nights.
The ideas that won’t let you rest.
The constant need to make something out of nothing.
MAARA Creatives Hangout is not a conference.
It’s not a panel.
It’s not one of those stiff networking events.
It’s a room full of creatives… just being.
Talking. Sharing. Connecting.
A gathering of people who make things!
If you’ve been looking for your people — this is it.
📍 Cotta by Maara, Garki 2
🗓 Friday, May 1
⏰ 7PM – till late
Free to attend. Limited seats.
Come with a friend, a story, or a question.
Leave with something new.
My name is Chisom Ifeakandu and MAARA is my tree.
MAARA was born out of a vision to create a living space where African creativity can grow, be documented, and be remembered. A place that holds the rhythm of our stories, art, culture, and ideas.
MAARA stands for Modern African Art Rhythm Archive. It exists to preserve and celebrate the pulse of contemporary African creativity.
Through The Creatives Initiative, we are also committed to educating and empowering creators with the knowledge, access, and community they need to thrive.
MAARA is a seed. And this is only the beginning.
#MAARA #orangeeconomy #creativeeconomy #art #culture
We have been thinking deeply about one question:
How do we build a creative economy that does not only celebrate established names, but intentionally prepares emerging ones?
The Maara Creatives Initiative workshop on Storytelling & the Creative Economy was not designed as an event. It was designed as an entry point.
An entry point into:
• Industry literacy
• Structural understanding
• Professional positioning
• Sustainable creative practice
Emerging creatives do not lack talent.
What they often lack is access, clarity and context.
If the ecosystem must grow, then capacity-building cannot be occasional. It must be structural.
This is the work.
And we are committed to it.
#MaaraCreatives #CreativeEconomy #Storytelling #EcosystemBuilding #AfricanCreatives #orangeeconomy
Still thinking about my at the @maarapresents and how much it stirred something in me. From the warm welcome to the inspiring sessions, every moment felt intentional. Sitting in a room filled with open-minded storytellers and filmmakers reminded me that growth happens in community. The feedback, the conversations, the laughter, it all mattered.
Thank you to our beautiful host @maarapresents , and our incredible mentors @stephdadet and @emilsutoritera for pouring into us so generously. You created more than a workshop; you created a safe space for creativity to thrive.
#storytellers #screenwriter #filmaker #nollyhood #maara
So far February for me has been a month of learning and stretching of my mind. Last week, I was opportuned to be in a room with talented filmmakers and writers, my interaction with everyone present pushed me to think bigger.
The @maarapresents Storytelling program with @emilsutoritera and @stephdadet opened my mind to the real work that happens before and after a film is made, the legal protection aspect of filmmaking (Film Law) and the entrepreneurial side of filmmaking. Filmmaking is as serious as any other business out there and this cannot be overemphasized.
One lecture that got me excited was learning how to pitch your story to investors. And when we were asked to make a presentation, I was so happy to pitch a story to Steph and Emil (Great minds in Nollywood). Lol, I’m still trying to fight stage fright so standing there and pitching my story felt like growth.
I can’t wait to start applying everything I learned.
We had an amazing time at the Day 1 of the Storytelling for film and the Creative Economy Workshop.
Follow us for more updates
#orangeeconomy #creativeeconomy #storytelling #MAARAcreatives
CALL FOR APPLICATIONS
Storytelling for Film & the Creative Economy
From Script to Sustainable Income
MAARA is accepting applications for a focused storytelling program designed for writers and filmmakers who want to build strong stories and understand how those stories make money.
This is not a motivational class.
This is a practical, industry-facing program.
Facilitators
@emilsutoritera – Screenwriter & Producer (Lionheart, 4th Republic, Road to Yesterday)
@stephdadet – Award-winning Screenwriter, Producer & Director
Who This Is For
Emerging screenwriters (0–5 years)
Filmmakers developing original scripted projects
Directors who write or co-develop their own stories
Writers transitioning into film and TV
What You’ll Learn
How to develop stories that work on screen
How to write within production realities
How storytelling functions in the creative economy
How writers make money (development, commissions, licensing)
How to protect your work and avoid exploitation
How to package and pitch stories for local and global markets
Mandatory Requirement
Applicants must have:
A script they are currently developing (short or feature)
Program Output
Every participant will leave with:
A stronger script draft
A one-page synopsis
A clear logline and pitch positioning
📍 Limited slots available
📅 Dates: 12th - 13th February, 2026
📌 Location: Abuja (Physical)
Register with the link in bio
