Financial Support For Graduate Study Application Fees

What are you raising money for?

As an emerging filmmaker, I embarked on The1000Nigerians documentary to capture the raw realities of Nigerian life and create a masterpiece that competes with Hollywood productions. More than just a film, this project aims to inspire, empower, and bring global attention to our untold stories. I see the immense potential in our narratives, and I understand that achieving global cinematic standards requires more than passion—it demands world-class training and exposure to advanced techniques. To bring this vision to life, both for myself and Nollywood, I am pursuing graduate studies at esteemed institutions like Stanford University, NYU Tisch School of the Arts, Georgia State University, Florida State University, Binghamton University, and Concordia University. These programs offer academic rigor, mentorship, and industry connections to help refine my craft. However, the application process comes with significant costs. The graduate application fees range from $30 to $125, with Stanford University’s fee being the highest at $125. I am currently 65% into all my applications. Your support will help cover these application fees totaling $432 inclusive of $125 for Stanford, allowing me to take the first step toward gaining the knowledge and skills needed to transform Nollywood, elevate our stories, and create films that resonate globally. Thank you for believing in my vision and supporting me on this transformative journey. Together, we can set a new standard for Nigerian cinema and inspire change.

Why are you raising the funds?

I am raising funds to cover the application fees for multiple graduate schools to broaden my chances of acceptance into a program that will allow me to advance my filmmaking skills and execute The1000Nigerians' documentary project to an aesthetically pleasing cinematic reality. My portfolio and academic background position me well to qualify for fully funded scholarships at prestigious institutions like Stanford University, NYU Tisch School of the Arts, and others. However, to be considered for these scholarships, I must meet the application deadlines, which range from December 2nd, 2024 to January 8th, 2025. At this stage, the application fees are the primary barrier to submitting my applications on time. I do not qualify for application fee waivers, but I intend to request waivers from the schools nonetheless. Despite this, I need your support to ensure I can meet the deadlines if my requests are not granted. The funds will enable me to pay the fees and submit my applications on time, keeping me on track for these life-changing opportunities. By applying to multiple schools, I can increase my chances of acceptance, ensuring I don't miss out on the chance to gain the education, mentorship, and industry connections necessary to elevate Nollywood's cinematic standards. Your support at this crucial moment is essential for helping me take this transformative step in my career, ensuring I can continue my work with "The1000Nigerians" and set a new benchmark for Nigerian cinema.

What will the funds raised help achieve?

The funds raised will directly cover the application fees for multiple graduate schools I am applying to, allowing me to meet critical deadlines and ensure my applications are submitted on time. With these funds, I will be able to pay the fees for esteemed institutions, each offering the academic rigor and mentorship vital to refining my filmmaking craft. Stanford Uni - $125 NYU|TISCH - $65 + $12 (slideroom charge) Georgia State Uni - $50 Florida State Uni - $30 Binghamton Uni - $75 Concordia Uni - $75 TOTAL ($432) This funding is crucial because it will help me seize the opportunity to qualify for fully funded scholarships, positioning me to gain the education and resources needed to transform Nollywood's cinematic standards through my documentary, "The1000Nigerians". Beyond the immediate impact of covering application fees, the funding will have long-term effects on both my career and the Nigerian film industry. It will provide me with the skills, industry connections, and advanced cinematic techniques needed to elevate Nigerian cinema and create films that resonate globally. This will not only propel my own projects but will also inspire other filmmakers in Nollywood to aim for higher production standards. Your support will be an essential step toward creating a new generation of films that capture the richness of Nigerian stories while competing on the global stage.