Simpa Samson

DOCUMENTARY FILMS


My purpose as a documentary filmmaker is to tell stories that change the way people walk through the world by inspiring curiosity, wonder, and empathy. I aspire to tell stories that move people.

The Forest Women of Afi in Nigeria

The magnificent Afi forest in Nigeria’s Cross River State is not only home to endangered animals but also a lifeblood for the people living around it - but the Cross River State has one of the highest rates of deforestation in the world. Mary Ofre lives in the nearby village of Olum, where her small-scale farm provides for her family. She is part of a local women’s group that plays a vital role in monitoring and reporting illegal logging. She and the forest women of Afi stand together to protect the mountains, trees and animals of this stunning natural habitat, for everyone’s future.

Role: DP/Director
Client: Al-Jazeera Documentary {Africa Direct}

Selling out Nigeria - Shell's irresponsible divestment

Selling Out Nigeria Shell's irresponsible divestment" shows how historical pollution remains a serious issue and how Shell is trying to avoid responsibility for this despite the billions of dollars it has earned from the oil. Shell must be made to clean up the damage and pay for decommissioning of the oil infrastructure before it leaves There can be no justice in the energy transition if fossil fuel companies can walk away from contexts like the Niger Delta, which is one of the most oil-polluted places on Earth.

Role: DP/Director
Client: SOMO

Bat Couple: Nigeria’s Bat Researchers

Bats dominate her life, day and night. She and her biologist husband, Ben Obitte, comb the caves high up in Nigeria’s Afi mountains to research, monitor and understand different bat species, in order to protect them.They relate their inspiring journey and share their award-winning work, revealing the story of their love of bats – and of each other.

CANNES WORLD WINNER: Best Nature Documentary

Role: DP/Director
Client: 
Al-Jazeera Documentary {Africa Direct}

Roux Prize 2023 Recipient

"It was very clear from an early age that what I would want to do with my life is contribute to the mission and work of making things better.!
Congratulations to Professor lbrahim Abubakar. His steadfast contributions to global health have positively impacted the lives of millions of people.
This video of his achievement was shared this evening at the event:

TELLY AWARD WINNER: Silver Winner

Role: DP/Drone Operator
Client: IHME Institute of Health Metrics Evaluation.

A Stone crusher’s song in Nigeria

A grandmother in Jos, Nigeria goes from breaking rocks for a living to rocking social media and becoming a music star at the age of 70.


Women International Film Festival: Winner Best Short Film

NEW YORK FESTIVAL: Finalist For Best Documentary Film

Role: Field Producer, DP/Director
Client: 
Al-Jazeera Documentary {Africa Direct}

Martha’s Delta

Martha is a remarkable woman on a mission to regenerate the ecosystem within the Niger Delta after oil spills have devastated the area and tell her story to raise awareness. Martha has taken up the fight to not only replenish her local environment but also to bring opportunities to other Women in the area. This film hopes to open our eyes to how detrimental extraction industries can be and whilst showing us the sheer power of the human spirit at work.

Role: Field Producer, DP/Director
Client: WaterBear Network

WHO Cervical Cancer

Cervical cancer is curable if diagnosed and treated early. The tragedy is that while this type of cancer is preventable, poor access to prevention, screening and treatment contributes to 90% of deaths. In Nigeria, RAiSE Foundation is working to improve access to cervical cancer screening and prevention. It was established by Dr Amina Abubakar Bello, a gynecologist, obstetrician, and the first lady of Niger State. RAiSE offers financially accessible screenings, and any woman found with cancer or precancerous lesions is given free treatment.

Role: Field Producer, DP/Director
Client: Blink Media

Gold Man Environmental Prize Winner

In the aftermath of disastrous oil spills in Nigeria, environmental lawyer Chima Wiliams held Royal Dutch Shell accountable for the resultant widespread environmental damage. This is the first time a Dutch transnational corporation has been held accountable for the violations of its subsidiary in another country.

Role: Field Producer, DP/Director
Client: Goldman Environmental

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