Closet Conversations Series with Omas Princess Benjamin — Nigerian Filmmaker Writing Stories That Last

It is one thing to tell a story, but to tell it in a way that moves strangers, ignites conversations and inspires change — that is an art that filmmaker Omas Princess Benjamin has mastered. Her screenwriting credits include films produced by Biodun Stephen, Lady Laide, and Cameroonian filmmaker Stephanie Tum. 

Films Omas has written have been successes, raking in millions of views on YouTube. This includes films like Arike, which straddles the line between faith and social issues such as teenage pregnancies, to heartwarming comedies like Uninvited Bride, with scenes she has created on screen igniting conversations on social media. Omas owns her stories too, as she wears a producer hat at other times, and some of her films are available on StorySpire TV on YouTube.

But unlike the make-believe world that Omas’ stories create, her journey has not always been picture-perfect. She shared with us how challenging it was to break into the industry, but Omas is a woman who does not just want a seat at the table for herself — she is creating space for others through the Omas Story Hub, which has gone on to train other screenwriters who are hitmakers in their own right. 

Having this conversation with her helped me understand why watching Built to Last, a film Omas wrote, hit so close to home for me; because it takes someone who has had their faith shaken and rebuilt to tell a story where pain does not diminish faith. 

There is so much to learn from the stories that Omas tells on screen, but today we are letting Omas’ story take the stage at HER Green Room and shining the spotlight on HER.

Your films, such as Built to Last and Arike, often weave in faith themes whilst confronting uncomfortable issues in society. What role does your faith play in the stories you choose to tell, and why is it important for you to tell them?

My faith plays a major role in the stories I tell. Some Christians can be judgemental, and I know that is not the heart of Christ. That perspective shapes stories like Arike and Roxy, where I try to reflect what Christianity should truly represent — compassion, truth, and grace.

With Built to Last, I drew from my personal journey as a Christian who has gone through difficult seasons and overcome them. It shows that life is not always rosy, even for strong believers, but endurance and faith still matter.

I write women as layered human beings, not stereotypes, because that is the truth of who we are.

The women in your films are often layered and complex, like the character Roxy. How do your personal experiences as a woman influence the narratives you choose to tell about women?

I am a complex woman myself, and that naturally reflects in my characters. I am a Christian, a feminist, a realist, and a creative — and depending on the situation, any of those sides can show up strongly. I write women as layered human beings, not stereotypes, because that is the truth of who we are.

Storytelling is both an art and a career.

You are intentional about sharing your journey and equipping other writers and filmmakers, particularly through the Omas Story Hub, a scriptwriting agency which also trains screenwriters. Why is it important to you to invest in the next generation of storytellers?

It is about legacy. I do not want upcoming writers to struggle the way I did. I want to help create space and structure for writers in the industry. Writers are often under-appreciated and underpaid, and even audiences do not celebrate them enough.

Storytelling is both an art and a career. Through Omas Story Hub, my goal is to change that narrative and give writers the recognition and applause they deserve. 

How do you protect your voice in an industry that is saturated and stay true to the stories you want to tell?

It is not always easy, but I am intentional about it. Some producers prefer highly exaggerated drama and trending formulas. What makes my stories stand out is that even when the storyline is simple or familiar, I add my unique touch — emotional realism and social truth. I ground my stories in reality, and that helps me protect my voice.

You have written several commercially successful films, with some reaching millions of views and impacting thousands. Of all the films you have written, which is your favourite, and why?

It is honestly hard to pick just one. But I deeply love Between Yesterday and Tomorrow; The Grey Night, Unspoken Scars, Arike, Built to Last, Roxy, and Stuck. I love them because they confront deep social and moral issues and spark reflection and conversation.

As a screenwriter and producer, which role stretches you more creatively, and why?

Screenwriting stretches me more creatively. The emotional weight, the beauty of the story, and how engaging it becomes rest heavily on the writer. 

Producing is demanding and stressful, especially when you are also the executive producer, but creatively, screenwriting is more intense for me because everything begins on the page.

Small stories, told truthfully, can have a powerful impact.

If a young woman reading this today feels her story is “too small” and wants to build a career as a filmmaker, what advice would you give her?

Give it time and take it one step at a time. Decide early which aspect of filmmaking you want to specialise in and stay consistent with it. Be prayerful, believe in your voice, and do not isolate yourself — collaborate. Small stories, told truthfully, can have a powerful impact.

As a woman balancing her personal life and career, what does success mean to you?

Success to me means being healthy — physically, emotionally, and spiritually. Balance may not happen every day, but doing your best to remain whole and well is success.

You have written many powerful stories, but what is one film you would have loved to write, and would you change anything about it?

I would have loved to write Breath of Life. It is deeply layered and emotionally rich. Honestly, I would not change anything about it — it was beautifully written and executed.

Omas’ story is proof that staying true to your authenticity is possible even in the make-believe work of Filmmaking. Whether you are a lover of great storytelling, an aspiring screenwriter or simply someone who believes in the power of purposeful film, there is a seat at the table that Omas has already set for you. I hope Omas’ journey has stirred something in you, follow her work and connect with her on social media.

Instagram: @omas_111 @story_spire

Facebook: Omas Princess Benjamin,

Omas Story Hub

YouTube: StorySpire TV