Nigerian filmmaker Joel Kachi Benson has earned two Emmy nominations for his documentary Madu, which chronicles the inspiring journey of Nigerian ballet dancer Anthony Madu. The film, co-directed by Benson and Matt Ogens, premiered at the Santa Barbara International Film Festival in February 2024 and was released globally on Disney+ on March 29, 2024 .

Madu follows the remarkable story of Anthony Madu, a 12-year-old dancer from Nigeria who gained international attention after a viral video of him dancing barefoot in the rain led to a scholarship at the prestigious Elmhurst Ballet School in the United Kingdom. The documentary delves into Madu's personal narrative, highlighting his struggles with belonging and acceptance in a new environment, while showcasing his passion for dance and resilience in the face of adversity .

Benson's previous work includes the acclaimed virtual reality documentary Daughters of Chibok, which won the Best Immersive Story award at the 76th Venice International Film Festival, making him the first African filmmaker to win in that category .

The Emmy nominations for Madu further cement Benson's reputation as a pioneering storyteller, bringing African narratives to the global stage through innovative filmmaking techniques.