Today we’d like to introduce you to Mojisola Sonoiki
Hi Mojisola, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
Mojisola Sonoiki: Visionary Leader Bridging Film, Arts, and Technology
British-born Nigerian, Mojisola Sonoiki, is a dynamic leader known for transforming ideas into impactful outcomes. With a solid foundation in Computer Science and Intelligent Systems, she began her career as an IT consultant in the UK, working with prominent organizations such as Compaq Computers, Price waterhouse, and Glaxo. Driven by a passion for cultural storytelling, she transitioned into academia, completing an MA in West African Studies from the University of Birmingham, specializing in Ethnography and Film. This journey ignited her commitment to reshaping African narratives in global media.
With over 20 years of experience in curating, programming, and consulting for film festivals and cultural events worldwide, Mojisola has established herself as a trailblazer in the creative arts. She was a founding member of the Black Filmmakers Magazine International Film Festival in London and curated the groundbreaking festival, È wá wò (Come & See): Sistahs in Film, in historic Brixton, London, celebrating Black women filmmakers.
After relocating to the United States, Mojisola worked as the Production Assistance Manager at Women Make Movies in New York City, a leading distributor of women-centered films. In 2005, she launched her production company, Iyàlódè Productions, and founded the Women of Color Arts & Film (WOCAF) Festival in Atlanta, Georgia. Recognized for its contributions, WOCAF received a proclamation from the Atlanta City Council in 2009. The festival expanded globally, partnering with the Zuma Film Festival in Abuja, Nigeria, where seven of its nine submissions won prestigious awards.
As a filmmaker, Mojisola has spearheaded numerous projects, including:
Director: Occupy Naija: An Insider’s View – a short documentary on the Occupy Nigeria demonstrations of 2012.
Co-Writer: Mixed Feelings, a made-for-TV film for Ebony Life TV, Nigeria (2015)
Creator & Director: indigo Tongues, an award-winning docu-series spotlighting African and diaspora trailblazers, which earned the Best documentary short at the BronzeLens Film Festival, Atlanta and the Women’s Only Entertainment Film Festival.
In 2019, Mojisola founded the African Film & Arts Foundation In (AFAF), a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization based in Atlanta, Georgia, dedicated to changing the global narrative of Africans and their descendants through film, arts, and culture. One of the signature events of AFAF is the African Film Festival Atlanta (AFFATL). As the Festival Director of AFFATL, she has positioned the event as a key platform for celebrating African excellence in the arts. In 2023, AFAF received a Resolution from the Georgia House of Representatives commending its third annual AFFATL.
Alongside her creative ventures, Mojisola continues to thrive as an IT consultant, consulting for major organizations such as NBC Universal, Autotrader.com, Digitas, Teach For America, Equifax, and Farmers Insurance, amongst others. To further refine her craft, she earned a certificate in Screenwriting from New York University’s School of Professional Studies and served as a judge for the International Film Category at the BronzeLens Film Festival, Atlanra. Recently, she co-hosted and co-produced the podcast “Not Just Nollywood”, a 13-episode series exploring African and diaspora perspectives on cinema, music, and the arts.
Awards & Recognitions
2023: Received a Resolution from the Georgia House of Representatives for contributions to the African Film Festival Atlanta (AFFATL).
2016: Best Documentary Award for “Indigo Tongues” at the Women’s Only Entertainment Film Festival.
2015: Best Short Documentary Award for “Indigo Tongues” at the BronzeLens Film Festival, Atlanta.
2012: Recognition Award from Women4Africa, London, for impactful community contributions.
2009: Proclamation from the Atlanta City Council for the Women of Color Arts & Film (WOCAF) Festival.
2005: Beverly Robinson Renaissance Award (Pan African Film Festival, Denver) for excellence and compassion in cultural and artistic work.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
My dual career in IT consulting and creative entrepreneurship has presented significant obstacles. As a creative entrepreneur committed to elevating African and diaspora narratives, the lack of a dedicated fundraising team or partner has often left me navigating the complex world of funding alone, a task that requires time and expertise that could otherwise be devoted to creative growth. Also, without external financial support, I have had to rely on the income from my IT career to fund my creative projects and businesses, which I have found is not a sustainable model. While this approach has enabled me to retain creative control and independence, it has also posed financial strain, as well as limit the scale and reach of my initiatives.
Building and sustaining creative ventures like Iyàlódè Productions, the Women of Color Arts & Film (WOCAF) Festival, and the African Film & Arts Foundation (AFAF) have often required me to single-handedly manage multiple aspects of creative direction, event planning, production, mentoring and operations/logistics. Without a dedicated team, I have had to wear many hats, often working long hours to meet my goals without much financial return.
We’ve been impressed with African Film & Arts Foundation Inc., but for folks who might not be as familiar, what can you share with them about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
About the African Film & Arts Foundation Inc.
The African Film & Arts Foundation Inc. (AFAF) is a distinguished 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization headquartered in Atlanta, Georgia, dedicated to transforming global perceptions of Africa and its diaspora through the lens of film, arts, and culture. Since its inception in 2019, AFAF has positioned itself as a beacon for creativity, innovation, and empowerment, using the arts as a vehicle to bridge cultural divides and amplify African voices on a global stage.
What Does the African Film & Arts Foundation Specialize In?
AFAF is a trailblazer in the media arts sector, with its core focus on:
Promoting African Narratives:
AFAF champions authentic and diverse stories from Africa and its diaspora, aiming to challenge stereotypes and reshape how African culture and experiences are represented in global media.
Curating World-Class Film Festivals:
The organization produces the annual African Film Festival Atlanta (AFFATL), a signature event that showcases a curated selection of African and diaspora films. AFFATL celebrates African excellence in storytelling, attracting audiences, filmmakers, and industry professionals from around the world.
Educational Initiatives:
Through workshops, panel discussions, and masterclasses, AFAF provides filmmakers, students, and enthusiasts with opportunities to learn from industry leaders and gain insights into the business of filmmaking and the art of storytelling.
Cultural Exchange and Collaboration:
AFAF fosters collaboration between African and global creatives, creating a platform for cultural exchange that celebrates innovation and diversity in the arts.
What Sets AFAF Apart?
Authenticity and Purpose-Driven Mission:
AFAF’s unwavering commitment to changing the global narrative of Africa sets it apart. While many organizations touch on African culture, AFAF dives deep into its nuances, ensuring that African and diaspora stories are told with integrity, dignity, and authenticity.
Blending Film and Technology:
With the unique combination of the founder’s expertise in both IT and filmmaking, AFAF seamlessly integrates technology into its programs, creating innovative solutions to elevate African creatives and their work.
Global Reach, Local Impact:
AFAF has successfully created a platform that celebrates African art on an international level while maintaining strong roots in the local Atlanta community. Its partnerships with global organizations and local cultural institutions demonstrate its dual focus on international recognition and community engagement.
Focus on Filmmakers of African Descent:
AFAF is deeply committed to supporting emerging and established filmmakers of African descent. It envisions becoming a major funding body, addressing the historical lack of financial resources for African creatives and empowering them to bring their stories to life.
What Is AFAF Most Proud of Brand-Wise?
AFAF is most proud of its flagship event, the African Film Festival Atlanta (AFFATL). Now in its third year, the festival has become a marquee event for African and diaspora films in the United States. In 2023, the Georgia House of Representatives recognized the festival with a Resolution, highlighting its cultural and artistic contributions.
This recognition underscores AFAF’s success in building a brand that celebrates and elevates African storytelling while creating meaningful connections between cultures.
What Should Readers Know About AFAF?
Our Vision:
AFAF is committed to becoming a leading force in changing the global narrative of Africans and people of African descent. Its ultimate goal is to establish a funding body that provides financial opportunities for filmmakers, artists, and creatives, empowering them to tell their stories authentically.
Our Offerings:
Film Programming: AFAF curates high-quality African and diaspora films for its festivals and programs.
Workshops and Panels: Offering educational opportunities for creatives and enthusiasts to deepen their understanding of film, arts, and culture.
Partnerships: Collaborating with organizations and institutions to bring African narratives to broader audiences.
We’d be interested to hear your thoughts on luck and what role, if any, you feel it’s played for you?
I believe it has played somewhat of a role as I believe luck is how one positions oneself. In having the opportunity to network and have access to various industry people and organizations, many times I have been at the right place at the right time gain access to our needs as a foundation.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://africanfilmartsfoundation.org/
- Instagram: @africanfilmarts
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/africanfilmartsfoundation/
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/african-film-arts-foundationinc
- Twitter: @africanfilmarts
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCrHshzyPyyh63Bs5mudaoFw
