Victoria Richards Ohwotu
Director of Operations
Who We Are
Experience Africa through the African lens
Our Mission
The Silicon Valley African Film Festival promotes an understanding and appreciation of Africa and Africans through moving images. Aptly themed "Africa through the African lens", the festival celebrates the vast richness of the African continent through the lenses of Africa's seasoned and emerging filmmakers — and crucially, provides audiences with exquisite lenses to the real Africa.
In fulfillment of its mission, SVAFF:
- Curates a world-class festival of African films and provides audiences access to the richness, diversity, and vitality of Africa's creative expressions.
- Promotes cultural literacy through post-screening dialogues, community and school outreach so audiences can engage with African filmmakers on issues of personal, local, and global significance.
- Promotes ideas exchange and collaborations between American and African film industry practitioners.
"It was one of the best experiences I have ever had — a very enlightening and enriching festival. I would definitely recommend this festival for anyone willing to have a deeper image of Africa and Africans in general."
Our Team
Chike C. Nwoffiah
Founder & Executive Director
Chike is a Nigerian filmmaker and arts consultant. He was listed as one of the "Top Ten Most Influential African Americans" in the San Francisco Bay Area by City Flight Magazine. For sixteen years he has turned what critics called an impossible idea into one of America's most quietly powerful cultural institutions.
Rejoice Abutsa
Director of Academic Programs
Ebele Enebeli
Director of Research, Strategy & Impact
Gabriel Nwoffiah II
Head of Digital Innovation & Growth
Tejiri Jarju
Director of Creative Media Production
Lidia Doniz
Operations Manager
Roberta Brown
Chief People Officer
Leonard Amanya
Jury Coordinator
International Advisory Board
United States
- Teresa Chapman
- Stephen Ozoigbo
- Diem Jones
- Prof. Jude Akudinobi
- Prof. David Anthony
- Dr. Esailama Artry-Diouf
- Deanna Tryon
- Michael Sekoni
International
- Diane Lima (Brazil)
- Prof. Aboubakar Sanogo (Canada)
- Prof. Chika Anyanwu (Australia)
- Lucy Igbenabor (Nigeria)
- Dr. Mohamed Gazala (Egypt)
- Dela Acolatse (Ghana)
- Alvin Kasule (Uganda)
How to Support Our Festival
In addition to attending the festival, there are other ways you can support our mission and be part of this journey. Become a sponsor, partner, or volunteer, and help us bring this extraordinary event to more people. By partnering with us, you will have the opportunity to make a meaningful impact and contribute to the growth and success of African cinema in America.
We truly appreciate your support and look forward to welcoming you to our festival.
