Story & Lesson Highlights with Stephen Shenboyejo of Georgia

We’re looking forward to introducing you to Stephen Shenboyejo. Check out our conversation below.

Good morning Stephen, we’re so happy to have you here with us and we’d love to explore your story and how you think about life and legacy and so much more. So let’s start with a question we often ask: What makes you lose track of time—and find yourself again?
I lose track of time when I’m on set or in the editing room. Whether it’s watching a scene unfold through the lens or shaping raw footage into a story, I get completely absorbed in the world I’m creating. Hours can pass without me noticing. I find myself again when I step away from the work—hearing the call of “cut,” seeing the final frame lock into place, or even just stepping outside and realizing the sun has shifted. That moment reminds me why I fell in love with Filmmaking: it consumes you, but it also gives you back a clearer sense of who you are.

Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
My name is Stephen Shenboyejo, and I’m a multi-award-winning filmmaker and the founder of Film Empire Int’l, a production company dedicated to telling powerful stories that resonate with a wide audience. What makes my journey unique is that I approach filmmaking with both artistry and purpose—creating projects that not only entertain but also spark conversations and inspire change.

Over the years, my work has been recognized internationally, winning awards across the U.S., Europe, Africa, and beyond, and has been featured in major publications and film platforms. One of my recent short narrative films, Alone, explored themes of solitude and mental health. Despite being shot in a single location, it has won awards, gained recognition from Hollywood studios, and even been recommended as an educational tool for its creativity and relevance to society.

At Film Empire Int’l, our mission is simple: to tell unforgettable stories that connect cultures, bridge generations, and leave a lasting impact on the world. I am currently focused on developing and creating new stories and projects that continue to push creative boundaries and elevate the power of cinema.

Appreciate your sharing that. Let’s talk about your life, growing up and some of topics and learnings around that. What’s a moment that really shaped how you see the world?
A moment that truly shaped how I see the world was when my short film Alone—a simple story told in one location—began to resonate far beyond what I expected. It won awards, reached international festivals, and even drew the attention of major studios. That experience taught me that no story is ever “too small” if it carries truth and heart. It reshaped my perspective: the world is always listening, and film has the power to connect us across borders, cultures, and personal struggles.

What did suffering teach you that success never could?
Suffering taught me resilience and humility in a way success never could. When things fall apart, when projects get rejected, or when doors close, you’re forced to confront yourself and ask why you create in the first place. That struggle sharpened my vision, deepened my empathy, and reminded me that filmmaking is not just about accolades but about telling stories that matter. Success celebrates the outcome, but suffering shapes the soul—and without that, the stories wouldn’t carry the same weight or truth.

Sure, so let’s go deeper into your values and how you think. What are the biggest lies your industry tells itself?
One of the biggest lies the film industry tells itself is that only big budgets, big names, or mainstream formulas can create impact. Time and again, I’ve seen small, intimate stories move audiences more deeply than massive productions. Another lie is that diversity is a trend or a box to check, when in truth it’s the lifeblood of cinema—the more voices we bring in, the richer and more universal the stories become. And finally, there’s the myth that success is measured only by money or awards. For me, the true success of a film is its ability to linger in someone’s heart long after the credits roll.

Before we go, we’d love to hear your thoughts on some longer-run, legacy type questions. What do you think people will most misunderstand about your legacy?
I think people might misunderstand my legacy as being only about awards or recognition. While those are affirming, they were never the goal. What I really want to be remembered for is the honesty of my storytelling—the way I used film to give voice to silenced truths, to protect culture, and to connect people across divides. My legacy isn’t about the spotlight; it’s about the shadows I dared to illuminate.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: @bystevethedirector
• Linkedin: stephen shenboyejo