Paul Apel Papel is an Abuja‑based Nigerian film director, cinematographer, editor, producer, and actor whose work spans television, music videos, and feature films. He is especially known for technically polished Nollywood productions and for his collaboration with the Nigerian Air Force on the war drama Eagle Wings.
Profile Summary
| full name | Paul Apel Papel |
| date of birth | 1974 |
| place of birth | Jos, Plateau State, Nigeria. |
| nationality | Nigerian. |
| state of Origin | Benue State, Nigeria (Tiv ethnicity). |
| partner | Stephanie Apel (wife). |
| children | Two children: Iorver Apel and Tavershima Apel. |
| occupations | Film director, cinematographer, editor, producer, actor; founder of Papel Image Tech Ngr. |
| Net worth | Approximately $500,000–$1 million |
Early Life and Education
Paul Apel (Papel) was born in 1974 in Jos, Plateau State, to Martha Apel, a teacher, and Joseph Apel (also written Japel), a thespian. Both parents hail from Benue State, and he spent much of his childhood there before later relocating to Lagos.
He is identified as Tiv by ethnicity, consistent with his Benue origins. He received practical training in television production at NTA Abuja, studied at the National Film Institute in Jos, and later attended Colorado Film School in Denver, USA, where he refined his skills in cinematography and directing.
Career
Paul Apel Papel began his career in Abuja with hands-on trades like mechanics and music, forming a group that recorded demos and collaborated with artist Daddy Showkey. He soon shifted to television and film at NTA Abuja, working as a cameraman, producer, and soundtrack composer to master the craft through practical experience.
As a multi hyphenate talent, director, cinematographer, editor, actor, and producer, he founded Papel Image Tech Ngr. Early directing successes like The Bond (2007), 90NinthDay, and Blue Flames (2013) stood out for sharp storytelling and quality visuals ideal for TV platforms. He later helmed Pappu (2016), Conscripted, Fantastic Numbers (c. 2018), the TV series Halita (2019), and Why Not (2019).
His career highlight is Eagle Wings (2021), a war drama backed by the Nigerian Air Force, where he wrote, directed, edited, and acted using real military assets. Widely regarded as an award winning post production expert, his visual style has influenced Nollywood, with credits spanning directing, acting, editing, cinematography, writing, and producing.
Personal Life
Paul Apel Papel is married to Stephanie Apel. He is a father of two children, named Iorver and Tavershima Apel, and is often portrayed as being closely involved with his family.
He is strongly associated with Benue State and the Tiv ethnic group, and local commentators sometimes refer to him as “Benue’s Paul Apel Papel.” Professionally, he is largely based in Abuja, Nigeria, where he runs Papel Image Tech Ngr and remains active in the Nigerian film and television space.
Net Worth
Estimates place Paul Apel Papel’s net worth at approximately $500,000 to $1 million, derived from his multifaceted career in Nollywood production, company ownership, and high-profile projects like Eagle Wings.
Filmography
As director
- The Bond (2007) – director
- 90NinthDay – director (year not clearly specified)
- Blue Flames (2013) – director
- Pappu (2016) – director
- Fantastic Numbers (circa 2018) – director
- Halita (TV series, 2019, with hundreds of episodes credited) – director
- Why Not (2019) – director
- Eagle Wings (2021) – writer, director, editor, actor
Other roles
- Multiple credits as editor, cinematographer, producer, and actor across several Nollywood projects, including many of the titles listed above.
Awards and recognition
Eagle Wings has received a number of festival awards and nominations, strengthening Paul Apel Papel’s reputation as a serious Nollywood filmmaker. At the Nollywood Travel Film Festival, the film won Best Movie, and it also earned a nomination for Achievement in Costume Design at the 2021 Africa Movie Academy Awards.
The film also won “Best Feature Film” at the 2021 Kaduna International Film Festival (KADIFF), further highlighting his work on the project. In industry commentary and on social platforms, he is frequently described as an award‑winning cinematographer, director, producer, and post‑production specialist, reflecting both festival recognition and professional esteem.
