The Archivi.ng Fellowship began with a question: how can curious people work with the archives to tell Nigerian stories that feel alive today? 

After months of research, experimentation, and storytelling, the fellowship’s first cohort has answered through four distinct projects: a podcast, a documentary, an animated short film, and a literary investigation. All four fellows showcased their projects at our debut annual showcase, The August Event, on September 7, 2025.

Every Friday, starting today, we’ll release each of these projects on our website and socials. 

Here’s how you’ll experience them:

Yellow Sunset — September 19

Oghosa Ebengho’s animated short film reframes the Nigerian Civil War through the eyes of a 22-year-old lorry driver. Beginning in Lagos and moving eastward, it captures the devastation, resilience, and bumpy road to healing after Biafra. You can now watch his short film.

Documenting the Story Behind Black Orpheus — September 26

Shalom Kasim’s literary investigation into Black Orpheus, founded in 1957, revisits the magazine that once gave voice to writers who shaped African literature. He speaks to the people who were involved, including Wole Soyinka, Bruce Onobrakpeya, Tunde Odunlade, Demas Nwoko, and Muraina Oyelami.

No Way Home: The Genesis of the Exodus — October 10

Aima Ojeamiren’s documentary connects personal narratives with archival materials to show that migration has always been part of the Nigerian imagination. This project will not be immediately available for public viewing, as it will first be exhibited at local and international festivals, but you’ll get a glimpse of what it looks like.

The Ordinary Nigerians — October 17

Samuel Ishola’s podcast series reframes Nigeria’s history through the lives of ordinary people. Their stories remind us that history is not only grand events, but also the laughter, grief, and persistence of people who lived it.

Why This Matters

We launched The Archivi.ng Fellowship in 2024 with support from Luminate, and critical fellow support from Olongo Africa, with a mission to experiment with the archives in new ways.

For Archivi.ng, these four projects demonstrate that a new generation is ready to explore history in ways that help us understand the present and make choices that elicit change for the future.

The projects will be available online and through Archivi.ng’s channels. Follow @startarchiving to experience them. Details for the second cohort will also be shared soon.