FilmMerge

Hosted By: Rex Nwakamma, Joy Odafe and Dr. Flora O. Ayodele. 

About

FilmMerge

FilmMerge gives filmmakers, buyers, and partners a clear route from interest to structured next steps — submission, review, catalogue access, and licensing conversations in one branded platform.

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FilmMerge is a film distribution and industry connection platform created to help filmmakers, producers, distributors, buyers, and media professionals connect around quality screen content. The platform is designed to support the business side of film by making it easier for projects, catalogs, and distribution opportunities to be presented, discovered, evaluated, and advanced professionally.

Through FilmMerge, filmmakers and content owners can position their work for wider market visibility, while buyers, distributors, and industry partners can discover projects with stronger structure, clearer presentation, and better access to relevant information. FilmMerge exists to bridge the gap between creative production and commercial opportunity, helping film projects move beyond completion toward meaningful audience reach, market access, and distribution growth.

Rex Nwakamma: Founder, CEO

Rex Nwakamma is the Founder and CEO of FilmMerge, where he leads the company’s vision to build a professional distribution and discovery platform for Christian and family-friendly films. He is a global media entrepreneur, AI consultant, technology strategist, filmmaker, and ministry leader based in Katy, Texas. He is also the founder and CEO of SageAlive Group. He provides leadership at the intersection of technology, media, healthcare, and business innovation while championing the growth of faith-based and family-friendly content worldwide. With extensive experience advising ministries, nonprofits, government agencies, and corporate organizations across multiple continents, Rex is recognized for equipping leaders and creatives with practical applications of Artificial Intelligence, digital transformation, and emerging technologies. Amongst his several clients are the US Government, The Chosen, and many more.

He is a Christian film playwright, director, producer, and entrepreneur based in Katy, Texas. Rex has built his career around using storytelling to inspire faith, values, and purpose-driven impact. He holds an MBA in Strategic Management from the University of Houston–Victoria, along with IT engineering credentials including Cisco and Microsoft certifications. Over the years, he has produced more than 20 full-length Christian films and over 80 short films, while also serving in key leadership roles within faith-based film and media organizations.Rex serves as the Director of the MZIAIF International Christian Film Festival, a global platform that has received thousands of submissions and recognized filmmakers across dozens of countries. He also serves as the assistant International Coordinator of the International Association of Evangelical Drama Ministers and Movie Makers (IAEDM), helping advance Christian filmmaking, digital missions, and media outreach globally. A respected board advisor, speaker, trainer, and advocate for Kingdom impact, he is also the co-founder of The Destiny Global Foundation, through which he and his wife, Lola, promote healthcare education, family support, and community development initiatives in honor of their Daughter, Destiny, who passed away in 2009 due to Trisomy 18. Through his leadership, Rex continues to bridge faith, technology, media, and social impact to inspire transformation across nations. At Film Merge, he brings that blend of filmmaker insight, strategic leadership, and platform vision to helping faith-driven stories travel further with structure, clarity, and professional reach.

Joy Odafe, Head of Licensing, Sales & Buyer Relations

Joy Odafe is a storyteller and media executive serving as Executive Officer & Head of Licensing, Sales & Buyer Relations at FilmMerge. She leads strategic partnerships and content licensing initiatives, building relationships with platforms, broadcasters, churches, schools, and institutions to connect impactful faith- and family-centered content with audiences worldwide.

Known for her leadership in grassroots outreach and media initiatives, Joy has contributed to international outreach campaigns, ambassador networks, and audience growth efforts, including her involvement in the grassroots movement of The Chosen TV series.

She also serves in leadership roles within the faith-based creative space, including the award management division of the Mount Zion Institute Association International Fellowship (MZIAIF) Christian Film Festival and as former Editor-in-Chief of the MZIAIF e-magazine.

Her creative and media experience includes film festival judging, evaluation of faith-based stage drama, scriptwriting, animation projects, and management training films, as well as other storytelling initiatives designed to inspire, educate, and create lasting impact.

Folorunso John Tosin, Chief Technical Officer

Tosin Folorunso is the Chief Technical Officer at Film Merge, where he leads the technology strategy, platform architecture, and digital systems that support the company’s mission to connect Christian and family-friendly films with global distribution opportunities.

With over 15 years of experience in media production, post-production, media operations, and digital workflows, Tosin brings a strong combination of technical leadership and an understanding of the creative industry. His professional background spans video production, editing, broadcast operations, media management, and digital systems, giving him practical insight into both the creative and structural needs of content-driven organizations. He has also built valuable experience through his long-standing service with the Broadcasting Corporation of Oyo State, where he developed a solid foundation in operations, administration, and media workflow.

At Film Merge, Tosin focuses on building a reliable, scalable, and user-centered platform that supports filmmakers, internal teams, buyers, and distribution partners with clarity and professionalism. He is passionate about using technology to simplify workflows, improve presentation, and build the kind of digital infrastructure that meaningful storytelling deserves. His work helps ensure that Film Merge is not only visually credible but also operationally prepared for serious growth and industry-standard distribution.

Dr. Flora O. Ayodele, Filmmaker Acquisition Consultant

Dr. Flora O. Ayodele is the Filmmaker Acquisition Consultant with FilmMerge, where she supports the identification, onboarding, and relationship management of filmmakers and content owners seeking global distribution opportunities. In this volunteer capacity, she works closely with producers to prepare distribution-ready films, facilitate submission processes, and foster strategic partnerships that connect African stories with international audiences. Her passion for storytelling, relationship-building, and operational excellence contributes to FilmMerge’s mission of amplifying quality African films on the global stage.

Professionally, Dr. Ayodele serves full-time as the Partner Support Specialist for West Africa with YouVersion, the creators of the Bible App, where she supports ministry partners across the region in expanding digital Bible engagement. She brings over nine years of experience spanning Christian media, communications, project management, and higher education. Her previous leadership roles include serving as Regional Operations Manager for The Nigeria Chosen Grassroots Engagement and Administrative Manager for the Mount Zion Institute Alumni International Fellowship International Christian Film Festival (MZIAIF–ICFF), where she contributed to filmmaker engagement, communications, and strategic outreach.

Dr. Ayodele holds a Ph.D. in Comparative Literature from the University of Ibadan and is also a certified project manager, media professional, author, screenplay writer, and Christian film producer. Through her professional expertise and volunteer service with FilmMerge, she is committed to building meaningful relationships with filmmakers and helping position compelling African stories for wider global visibility and lasting impact.

Ella Tamunokonbia, Marketplace Liaison Associate

Ella Tamunokonbia is an emerging film professional with a strong foundation in administration, operations, and project coordination. She brings exceptional organizational skills, strategic planning, and collaborative leadership to film and media productions, helping creative teams remain aligned and ensuring projects move efficiently from development through completion.

Ella earned a Bachelor of Arts from Moody Bible Institute in Chicago, Illinois. Her academic background strengthened her skills in communication, leadership, and interpersonal engagement while cultivating a deep appreciation for storytelling, culture, and diverse human experiences. She applies these strengths to collaborating with producers, directors, cast, and crew, supporting the creative process through effective coordination, problem-solving, and a thoughtful, people-centered approach to production management.

FilmMerge MediaSphere Exhibit Session

 

 SegmentDetails
 Welcome & IntroductionIntroduction to FilmMerge, its purpose, and the opportunity it creates for filmmakers, producers, buyers, and distribution partners.
 The Distribution ChallengeCommon industry gaps and the distribution challenges facing filmmakers and content owners.
 FilmMerge VisionFilmMerge – a platform built to connect film projects with the right industry opportunities, helping creators move from production completion to visibility, access, and growth in distribution.
 Platform / Website WalkthroughA demonstration of the FilmMerge platform, including catalog/project presentation, buyer access, filmmaker visibility, and support for industry discovery.
 Opportunities for Filmmakers & Content OwnersOverview of how FilmMerge helps producers, filmmakers, and rights holders present their work professionally and gain greater exposure to relevant industry partners.
 Opportunities for Buyers & Distribution PartnersOverview of how FilmMerge helps buyers, distributors, platforms, festivals, and media organizations discover and evaluate screen content.
 Discussion / Q&AInteractive discussion of industry needs, distribution challenges, partnership opportunities, and potential collaboration.
 Closing & Next StepsOpportunity for next steps: sharing contact information and inviting filmmakers, buyers, and partners to connect with FilmMerge.

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Learn More About FilmMerge

FilmMerge gives filmmakers, buyers, and partners a clear route from interest to structured next steps — submission, review, catalogue access, and licensing conversations in one branded platform.