When we first read about Nigerian directors producing hundreds of feature-length films with digital cameras, a week, and a few thousand dollars, we found the subject irresistible. Here was not only a rare positive story about Africa, but one that embodied the egalitarian promise of digital technology: Anybody can make a movie.

When we approached the Center of Digital Imaging Arts at Boston University with the idea of producing a documentary film about Nollywood, the reaction was immediate. Nollywood is a perfect example of CDIA’s philosophy: embrace technology and don’t be afraid to tell stories that matter to you.

Our crew, Bob Caputo, Franco Sacchi and Aimee Corrigan set out for the Nigerian capital Lagos in October 2005. Just the ride in from the airport—two hours to go a few miles in utterly snarled horn-blaring traffic, eyes aching from the smog—gave us a small taste of the conditions Nollywood directors face daily. Our admiration for their determination began at that moment. Bob commented that in 30 years of covering Africa for Time and National Geographic he had never come across a story so positive and full of hope.

In Lagos, we connected with filmmaker Bond Emeruwa who allowed us to travel with his crew and document the making of the action film, “Check Point”. Bond, recently elected the President of the Film Director’s Guild of Nigeria, opened our eyes to the need for training and support for filmmakers in Nigeria.

Nollywood filmmakers are conscious of the responsibility they have toward their society— Bond says they feel an obligation to “put a message in there.” Nollywood serves as a vehicle to inspire and inform an ever-growing audience around the world.

In the end, the film we made, This Is Nollywood, is about more than a fascinating and unheralded movie industry. It’s about people surmounting obstacles to achieve their dreams.

Today, our film has been screened at festivals and on television in many countries. But our adventure in Nollywood continues. With the Nollywood Workshops, we intend to support the growth of Nollywood by providing valuable training and sparking collaboration in a global film community.