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.
Nada Ibrahim, Director of Finding Me

"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."

— Nada Ibrahim, Director, Finding Me (Egypt)

Our Team

Chike C. Nwoffiah, Founder & Executive Director

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.

Adolpha Cole

Adolpha Cole

Director of Programs

Christelle Ngaleu

Christelle Ngaleu

Media Director: Africa Region

Gabriel Nwoffiah II

Gabriel Nwoffiah II

Head of Digital Innovation & Growth

Zaza Kabayadondo

Zaza Kabayadondo

Director of Learning & Volunteer Experiences

Sahndra Fon Dufe Okeowo

Sahndra Fon Dufe Okeowo

Outreach & Strategic Engagement Director

Tejiri Jarju

Tejiri Jarju

Director of Creative Media Production

Kameron Harris

Kameron Harris

Operations 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.

SVAFF community members at a festival screening