MARYANN CHIDINMA EMUENODIAGBE
Head of International Jury (West Africa) – Nelas International Film Festival
Media Professional • Writer • Film & Events Coordinator • Creative Industries Professional
Director & Business Executive – SURE BOIS MATE ENTERTAINMENT LIMITED
Maryann Chidinma Emuenodiagbe
Maryann Chidinma Emuenodiagbe is a Nigerian media professional, writer, film and events coordinator, international relations scholar and creative-industry professional whose work spans awards administration, publishing, event organisation, cultural exchange and creative-industry development.
She is a longstanding member of the professional network of The Nelas Academy of Arts, Media and Television, with sustained involvement in the Academy’s film productions, awards programmes, publishing activities and international cultural initiatives.
HEAD OF INTERNATIONAL JURY – WEST AFRICA
Maryann currently serves as Head of the International Jury (West Africa) of the Nelas International Film Festival (NIFF), where she provides leadership in the evaluation and assessment of films, filmmakers and creative professionals nominated for awards.
In this capacity, she works with jurors and creative-industry professionals involved in the Nelas screening and evaluation process, contributing to the assessment of talent and creative projects on established criteria including artistic quality, technical execution, originality, storytelling, cultural relevance and social impact.
Her academic background in History and International Relations complements this role by providing an additional perspective on international cooperation, cultural exchange, diplomacy, society and the role of storytelling in connecting communities.
LONGSTANDING CONTRIBUTION TO THE NELAS ACADEMY
Maryann has been closely involved with The Nelas Academy since 2020.
Since that time, she has contributed to the planning and organisational arrangements of the Nelas Academy Awards, supporting preparations, coordination and implementation of the Academy’s annual activities.
Her responsibilities have extended beyond awards administration. She has participated in the Academy’s film, publishing and cultural-development activities, becoming part of the professional team supporting the continued expansion of The Nelas programmes.
FILM PRODUCTION AND DOCUMENTARY WORK
Maryann has also worked in film production as an Assistant Production Manager on films produced and directed by Frank Ikegwuonu since 2020.
Her production responsibilities have included planning, coordination, scheduling, logistics, communication and other organisational requirements associated with film production.
Her experience in production has strengthened the connection between her work in media administration and the practical requirements of filmmaking, enabling her to contribute both behind the scenes and within the wider organisational structure of Nelas film projects.
BUSINESS LEADERSHIP AND ENTREPRENEURSHIP
In addition to her work with The Nelas Academy, Maryann is a Director and business executive associated with SURE BOIS MATE ENTERTAINMENT LIMITED, a Nigerian private company involved in event organisation and related creative and entertainment services.
The company was incorporated in Nigeria on 2 March 2023 as a Private Company Limited by Shares, with Corporate Affairs Commission registration number RC 6895808.
Through SURE BOIS MATE ENTERTAINMENT LIMITED, Maryann has developed additional experience in business organisation, event coordination, production support and the operational management of creative-industry activities.
The company has also maintained a professional working relationship with The Nelas Academy, particularly in areas including printing, publishing, event support and related project services.
This business experience complements her work within The Nelas by giving her practical experience in both creative programming and the commercial and operational requirements involved in delivering professional events and media projects.
EVENTS, AWARDS AND ORGANISATIONAL COORDINATION
Maryann’s professional experience includes involvement in the organisation and coordination of events, awards programmes, creative-industry activities, planning, logistics, communication, documentation, scheduling and coordination between different participants and service providers.
Her media background also complements her organisational responsibilities, allowing her to operate across both communication and production environments.
ACADEMIC BACKGROUND
Maryann holds a Bachelor of Science (B.Sc.) in History and International Relations from Lagos State University (LASU).
Her academic training provides a foundation in international affairs, diplomacy, history, cultural relations, global cooperation and social development.
These areas are relevant to her continuing involvement in international cultural programmes and the Nelas Academy’s wider work in cultural diplomacy and creative-industry exchange.
INTERNATIONAL CULTURAL AND CREATIVE-INDUSTRY ENGAGEMENT
Maryann’s responsibilities within Nelas have increasingly extended into international cultural and professional activities. As Head of The Nelas International Film Festival Jury for West Africa, she contributes to an international-facing programme connecting filmmakers and creative professionals across geographical and cultural boundaries.
Her involvement also forms part of the Academy’s broader programme of international cultural exchange, creative-industry cooperation and documentary research.
In 2026, she is participating as a member of a professional Nelas delegation connected with the Academy’s international engagements, including the planned SUM IT UP 2026 programme in Limassol, Cyprus.
Her participation reflects the expanding international dimension of her work with The Nelas Academy and its cultural and creative-industry programmes.
RESEARCH, DOCUMENTATION AND CULTURAL DIPLOMACY
Maryann is also involved in the Academy’s research and documentation activities.
The Nelas Academy is currently developing biographical and documentary research relating to selected recipients and personalities connected with its Top 50 Most Inspirational and Humanitarian People recognition programme.
Maryann’s experience in international relations, media, production and organisational coordination provides a useful professional foundation for participation in such research and documentation.
Her work contributes to the Academy’s broader objective of documenting individuals, institutions and creative professionals whose activities have relevance to African culture, humanitarian service, media, entertainment and international cooperation.
