YouTube has made distribution easy for filmmakers – Amandla Ebeye

By Rita Okoye

Nollywood, actress and filmmaker Amandla Ebeye, formerly known as Amanda Ebeye, continues to make waves, even from afar.

Now splitting her time between Nigeria and Canada, Ebeye is not only adjusting to life as a new mother but also carving out her space in the ever-expanding space of digital filmmaking, especially through YouTube.

With every actor and filmmaker jumping on the YouTube bandwagon, one might wonder what sets Amandla’s platform apart.

When asked about this trend, she’s quick to point out that it’s not about being different but rather about embracing the medium as an essential tool for creative freedom.

“I wouldn’t say mine is different from others. What we’re doing is showcasing films and shows that have been around for a long time. But what YouTube does is provide us with a space where we can show our creativity to the world, without needing approval from anyone in an office. It gives filmmakers, like me, a platform to reach viewers directly. The challenge has always been distribution, and YouTube removes that barrier,” she told Sunday Sun.

For Amandla, the beauty of YouTube lies in its accessibility. “If you have something good, people will find it. You don’t need connections, no clicks, no corporate gatekeepers. You just create and upload.”

As a Nigerian filmmaker now based part-time in Canada, the transition between two vastly different countries can present unique challenges, but Amandla is no stranger to overcoming them. While she admits that her time in Canada allows her to focus on her family—she recently welcomed a baby into the world—she has maintained her passion for filmmaking.

“I don’t like to say I’m based in Canada. I’m always going back and forth between Nigeria and Canada. Except for the last two years, I’ve been doing that every year, but I had to take time off for maternity leave. Now that my little one is over a year old, I’m back to scripting and filmmaking,” she noted.

Balancing two cultures, two countries, and a newborn may seem overwhelming, but Amandla doesn’t feel financially drained by the constant travel between continents. “Honestly, I’ve never really sat down to calculate my expenses. Of course, I budget for my travels and life, but it hasn’t drained me yet. It’s all about prioritizing and planning ahead.”