Today we’d like to introduce you to Kelechi Eke.
Hi Kelechi, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
I am a Nigerian American Software Engineer and Filmmaker with many years of experience in the world of technology. Despite my astute technical background, I have always had a penchant for storytelling and creative arts. In the year 2011, I created biGObi Productions and decided to dabble into filmmaking. Since then, I have written, directed, produced, and starred in many award-winning films that focus on Africa-related topics and Human Rights.
All my released films, till date, have been accepted into the libraries of various Ivy League schools (including Harvard, Yale, Stanford University; and other top universities such as Texas A&M University, the University of Wisconsin, Northwestern University, and University of Iowa) as reference materials for African and Immigration Studies. (References: https://search.
In 2015, I founded The African Film Festival (TAFF) Dallas, with the vision to bridge cultures through film; to encourage the art of storytelling; and to support underserved filmmakers of African descent. Through TAFF, I have created a large network of filmmakers worldwide. I designed and produced the beautiful TAFF Trophy, which became one of the most coveted trophies in the African Film Industry. (Reference: theafricanfilmfest
In March 2019, I launched African Women Arts & Film Festival (AWAFFEST) in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania during the International Women Month to celebrate arts and stories of African women; and to empower upcoming female artists with the confidence of becoming successful independent practitioners without falling victims to any form of exploitation.
In June 2019, I launched ROOTFLIX – a streaming platform for quality multicultural films. I created this platform to give independent filmmakers optional distribution channel to showcase their hard work globally. Rootflix app is available for free download on the App Store and Google Play. (Reference: Rootflix.com)
In the year 2020, I launched Village Arts & Film Festival (VILLAFFEST) in Owerri, Nigeria to celebrate Indigenous Arts and Films; and to discover and empower aspiring artists hidden in various African villages. From filmmaking to visual artistry to performances, I want to encourage African youths that have interest in arts and culture. (Reference: Villaffest.org)
On August 19, 2023, I was honored with the United States President Lifetime Achievement Award for humanitarian services over the years. And on December 26, 2023; I was installed into a chieftaincy role as the “Ichie Ihemba” in Nigeria. (References: https://en.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way? Looking back, would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
There’s never a smooth road to success if one wants to accomplish it the right way. So, it hasn’t been easy. A lot of what I do requires grants and/or sponsorships, which are sometimes difficult to attain and leaves me to using personal funds to accomplish my humanitarian efforts. This poses a big challenge, having family responsibilities.
Thanks – so, what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I want readers to know that my work as a Creative is positively impacting many from the metroplex of Dallas to my village in Nigeria and beyond. My focus now is to create more multicultural films and documentaries to stream on Rootflix. I encourage everyone to download the app to support my work and that of many other filmmakers.
We’d be interested to hear your thoughts on luck and what role, if any, you feel it’s played for you.
I feel lucky that I seem to be in the right place at the right time. Having my story published at Voyage Dallas is an example because not everyone gets the opportunity to have their journey published on a great platform like this. But to be in the right place at the right time is one thing; and to have what it takes to be chosen is yet another. So I always push myself to be ready for when any opportunity presents itself. I work hard to have the qualification when it comes to education or certifications – in case required. As a writer and director, I pushed myself into producing my first film – in case a reference for it is needed before I am hired to write or direct for another production company.
Contact Info:
- Website: rootflix.com
- Instagram: instagram.com/kelechiekefilm
- Facebook: facebook.com/kelechiekefilm
- Twitter: x.com/kelechiekefilm
- Youtube: youtube.com/bigobitv
Image Credits
biGObi
