Nigeria is more than just a setting, it shapes my global perspective – Geoff Browne

Geoff Browne, a seasoned director, cinematographer, and writer from California, USA, has been sharing unique global perspectives through his work for over two decades, driven by a passion for exploring diverse cultures and bringing stories to life on screen.

His short film "God's Power", which was shot in Lagos, recently received an award at AFRIFF, and in this interview, Browne delves into his journey into filmmaking and his passion for telling global stories through film.

Browne's fascination with filmmaking began at a young age, and as a kid, he would borrow his dad's camera to create short films with his brothers, sparking a curiosity that would eventually become his career.

As he grew older, this curiosity only deepened, and by high school, filmmaking had become his primary mode of expression, with him often turning written assignments into short films or documentaries.

At the age of 21, Browne moved to Vancouver, where he started at the bottom of the film industry and worked his way up, determined to learn the ins and outs of filmmaking, and eventually landed a job as a production assistant.

This experience, which combined curiosity, persistence, and a love for hands-on learning, has had a lasting impact on Browne's approach to filmmaking.

In 2008, Browne developed a coming-of-age feature script set in Nigeria, but he knew that to do the story justice, he needed to experience the country firsthand, so he traveled to Nigeria and made a film, an experience that would change his perspective forever.

During his time in Nigeria, Browne was struck by the warmth of the people, the rhythm of daily life, and the contradictions that existed within the country, and he returned in 2012 and 2024 to work on the film "Call Me Shamsz", which screened at AFRIFF and won awards.

Nigeria has since become an integral part of Browne's storytelling, and he has developed a deep appreciation for the country and its people.

According to Browne, filmmakers around the world share a common bond, characterized by their obsession, sacrifice, and refusal to give up, and African filmmakers, in particular, are known for their commitment to truth and resourcefulness in the face of obstacles.

African filmmakers also tend to prioritize character, community, and audience, striving to create honest and meaningful movies that resonate with their viewers.

The story of "Godpower" emerged from Browne's personal connection with a gifted surfer and father named Godpower, whom he met at Tarkwa Bay in Lagos, and the trust that developed between them became the foundation of the film.

The film follows Godpower's journey, offering a nuanced and intimate portrait of modern Nigeria, one that challenges stereotypes and presents the country in a new and unexpected light.

Many viewers have responded to the film as a revelation, not because it introduces them to a completely unfamiliar world, but because it portrays Nigeria with a level of suspense, humor, dignity, and emotional depth that is rare in depictions of the country.

For Browne, the goal of filmmaking has always been to share stories and places that are rarely seen, and to do so in a way that feels immediate and human, and "Godpower" is a testament to the power of this approach.

Looking back on the experience of making "Godpower", Browne reflects that it was one of the most meaningful filmmaking experiences of his life, reaffirming his passion for earning trust, translating real-life experiences into narrative cinema, and entertaining audiences without sacrificing authenticity.