MEET TFA JUDGES
Transitioning from a foundation in mechanical engineering to an award winning career in filmmaking, Chris Odeh has solidified his position as a leading figure in African cinema. With nearly two decades of experience in the film and TV industry, his contributions to the industry are exemplified by his involvement in critically acclaimed films such as Choke, Tokunbo, Rattlesnake: The Ahanna Story, Nneka the Pretty Serpent, Aki and Pawpaw, and Living in Bondage: Breaking Free, among others. These projects have garnered numerous accolades from prestigious award ceremonies, including AMVCA, AMAA, AFRIFF, Septimius Awards, and BON. Beyond his role as a filmmaker, Odeh is a strategic entrepreneur. As founder and Senior Producer of Sozo Films, he has successfully positioned the company as a comprehensive production hub, delivering high-quality content for both television and film. Odeh's entrepreneurial spirit extends to his co-ownership of Ramsey Films with renowned actor Ramsey Nouah, BRS Studios with Joy Odiete and Ramsey Nouah, and his leadership roles in Coal360 Global, a training and artist management firm), Story Story Global (a hub for talented writers), and Plural Eyes (a Quality Control company). These ventures demonstrate his commitment to nurturing talent and driving industry growth. Chris is the Senior Producer of Ramsey Films and a consulting producer for Play Network Studios, Blue Pictures, Take Out Media, MSwitch Media, and Urbane Media production, among others. He is the convener of the African Film Forum (AFF), which holds in select African and European countries. A dedicated mentor and advocate for emerging filmmakers, Odeh nurtures young filmmakers through the annual Masterclass with Chris Odeh initiative, a transformative training program that has empowered over 100 aspiring filmmakers. His passion for sharing knowledge is further evidenced by the African Film Forum (AFF), which he convenes in select countries. Chris, who recently released his first book, 'Before You Say Action, ' is married to his favorite person, Joy, and they have three sons: Andre, King Chuka, and Nugwa. |
DRIKUS VOLSCHENK is one of South Africa's most distinguished actors, with a career spanning over two decades and more than 80 professional film, television, and theatre productions across the globe. Known for his versatility and powerful performances, he has starred alongside icons like Idris Elba in Mandela: Long Walk to Freedom and garnered international acclaim for his role in Beauty (2011), South Africa's official entry for the Academy Awards. His Hollywood credits include blockbuster hits such as Batman vs Superman – Dawn of Justice (2016) and Maze Runner: The Death Cure (2018), solidifying his status as a global talent. Beyond his acting career, Drikus is also a visionary leader in creative education, having mentored countless emerging actors as Head of the Screen Acting Department at the Oscar winning film school, AFDA, and now as the Head of EbonyLife Creative Academy in Lagos, Nigeria. Committed to empowering the next generation of African filmmakers, Drikus continues to shape the future of the continent's creative industry through his leadership, training initiatives, and partnerships with industry heavyweights like Disney, Netflix, and Viacom. His journey is a testament to the power of talent, dedication, and his relentless pursuit of excellence in the arts. |
KUNLE IDOWU, popularly known as Frank Donga, is a Nigerian actor and comedian. He rose to fame through his viral comedy web series, THE INTERVIEW, for which he was nominated for Best Actor in a Comedy in the Africa Magic Viewers' Choice Awards (AMVCA) in 2015. Frank Donga also won the Best Actor Award for his role in the movie, HAKKUNDE, at the African Film Festival and Cannes International Pan African Film Festival in 2018. He is one of the Nominees for Best Actor in a Comedy in the Africa Magic Viewers' Choice Awards (AMVCA 2023) for his role in the movie, UNINTENTIONAL. He is also known for his role in movies like; THE WEDDING PARTY - 1 & 2, THREE THIEVES, SWALLOW, ONE LAGOS NIGHT, and most recently, JOLLY ROGER. Although he has a Master’s Degree in Genetics, Frank started his career in the media as a Broadcast Journalist on NN24 News Channel (a CNN affiliate). He is also a Cinematographer, Editor, Writer, Animator, Photographer, and Filmmaker. |
Josephine Obudo Film Sound Mixer | Educator Josephine Obudo is a seasoned filmmaker with expertise in sound production for films, documentaries, TV series, commercials, and corporate projects. She holds a BA in Film Technology from Kenyatta University and over a decade of experience, and is committed to crafting immersive audio that enhances storytelling. As Head of Sound at EbonyLife Creative Academy, Josephine trained over 200 students, guiding 70 to achieve Avid Pro Tools Specialist Certification. She also supervised sound production for more than 50 short films and helped establish the academy as the sole Avid Learning Partner in West, East, and Central Africa. An AVID ProTools Post-Production Certified Instructor, accomplished Supervising Sound Editor, Production Sound Mixer, and Sound Designer, Josephine is passionate about mentoring emerging talent and delivering world-class audio for diverse media projects. |
Martini is a professional Film and Video Editor, Colorist, and Post-Production Manager. Editor of 11 feature films including Christmas in Lagos (2024), Gangs of Lagos (2023), Brotherhood (2022), and Glamour Girls (2022). Nominated in the Best Picture Editor category for Brotherhood (2022) at the 9th edition of Africa Magic Viewers' Choice Awards (AMVCA). As the Editor and Post-Production Supervisor on critically acclaimed films like Gangs of Lagos, Brotherhood, Venge (TV Series), and with over 8 years of experience in editing and post-production management - he brings a unique perspective to every project. He's an all-around post-production professional and has facilitated various projects over the years, from setting up post-production teams to post-production workflows to delivering exciting and groundbreaking films and shows. |
WAVINYA NGEI is a Production Designer, Art Director, and Visual Artist. She started her career in film in 2006 with the advent of Tusker Project Fame in Kenya, run by Endemol South Africa as an Art Department Assistant. Since then she has never looked back and has trained in the art department on the job under more experienced designers and by self-training. Wavinya Ngei worked in the Art department for the 2019 directional debut of Chiwetel Ejiofor’s movie THE BOY WHO HARNESSED THE WIND under Production Designer Tule Peake of City of God. She was the production designer for the 2020 multi-award-winning Kenyan Netflix original POACHER and KCB LION’S DEN, and the web series KALAMU NA NDENGA. She also worked in the art department of the 2021 movie ENDANGERED SPECIES directed by M. J. Bassett and the French satire directed by Nicolas Bedos OSS 117: FROM AFRICA WITH LOVE. Wavinya has art directed numerous television commercials in Kenya, Uganda and South Africa. She was a volunteer art teacher for girls aged 7-16 years with Binti Pamoja in Kibera Slum Nairobi where she taught painting, drawing, story writing, sculpture while also learning tremendously from the young girls about the natural talent that distinguished African youths. She is currently Head of Department for Production Design and Art Direction at the Ebonylife Creative Academy. |
OBINNA OKEREKEOCHA is a Creative & Content Director, Creative Thinker, Art Director, Multi-media artist, Film Music Composer, Documentary Filmmaker, AV Editor, Musician, Storyteller and Creative Adventure Seeker and Creative Community Builder. Having spent over a decade in the Nigerian advertising and design space, he has had the unique opportunity of building Nigerian super- brands. He has worked in offline and online Television, Film production, Energy, Branding, Communications and Philanthropy as a Brand Programs Manager at TEF (The Tony Elumelu Foundation) working on various productions and key continental marketing projects, especially the $100,000,000 Tony Elumelu Foundation Entrepreneurship Programme that has impacted the lives of thousands of African entrepreneurs. He was key to the envisioning, creation and impact of REDTV as the pioneer Creative Director. The platform has gone on to be a multiple- award winning pan African lifestyle and entertainment, streaming video-on-demand channel on YouTube, supporting hundreds of young creators, filmmakers and film festivals across the African continent, powered by the United Bank For Africa (UBA). At the moment, Obinna is the Director of content at Moniepoint Inc., a high impact Microfinance bank powering small and medium-sized businesses in Africa, providing them with innovative tools for financial inclusion. Obinna believes that in an ever-changing world of cutting-edge technology, in all spheres of life, one must always and constantly shift one's creative paradigms to remain relevant. |
TOLULOPE AJAYI is a film / TV director, producer, educator and creative professional. He has a 22-year background in marketing communications; working for agencies like SO&U SAATCHI & SAATCHI and INSIGHT PUBLICIS in Lagos. He began a career as a director on MNET’s Tinsel (2008) and has worked on TV other series – NDANI’s Gidi Up (Director), EbonyLife TV’s - Paradise Way (Show runner/ Director) Viacom’s MTV SHUGA Naija Season 6 & 7 ( Head director & Director). In 2021, he was the Head Director on SHOWMAX series “DIICHIE”. Tolu’s films explore a wide range of social and human issues and have garnered critical acclaim and recognition. “THE ENCOUNTER” – A Biafran war story won AMVCA Best Sound 2017 & AFRIFF Jury Selection 2010. “A New You” – A TV feature film for Ebony Life TV 2013. “CLOSED” which depicts a young man’s journey to enlightenment won a Bronze Loerie in 2018. “THIRST” - an underwater parable was a finalist in We Art Water film festival, Spain. “TRAINING DAY” won “Best Director” at ARFF, Amsterdam 2020. “FOCUS” – Best Drama Top Shorts Film festival & 1 Silver & 2 Bronze Pitcher Awards “FINDING DIANA” - Best Human Rights Films from Berlin Short Film Festival ”OVER THE BRIDGE” His debut feature film – secured a UK release with Beyond Nollywood & Picture House Cinemas, October 2023. It has since been featured at the prestigious AFI Silver / NAFF screening, NYAFF opening film creditations and garnered 12 AMVCA nominations (winning 2) including best film, best director as well as notable nominations in other film craft. Tolu Ajayi is a Cannes Golden Lion speaker alongside hosting an African storytelling workshop at the Golden Lions International Festival of Creativity 2019, Cannes, France. He’s HOD Film Directing at EbonyLife Academy, Lagos. Tolu has a bachelor’s degree in English with a BBC Assistant Producer Foundation certificate & a certificate in Directing from Relativity Education, Los Angeles. Tolu’s filmography can be seen at www.tolulopeajayi.com |
Nolo Phiri is a powerhouse in South African entertainment, known for her magnetic presence both in front of the camera and behind the scenes. An Honours graduate from Wits University's School of the Arts, her breakout role as Niki on ETV’s Rhythm City (2011-2018) made her a household name, while her creative production work has earned equal praise. With a versatile skillset as an actress, producer, and MC, Nolo seamlessly bridges television, film, and live events, bringing thought-provoking discussions and professionalism to every project. She has produced acclaimed dramas and documentaries for top platforms like SABC, Mzansi Magic, Showmax, Paramount, and more. As the founder of Girl Next Door Media, Nolo is passionate about empowering the youth and fostering growth within South Africa’s creative industry. Her production company champions opportunities for aspiring filmmakers by connecting them with industry experts and nurturing new talent. Nolo’s drive for women’s empowerment also led to her launching “Apples & Oranges for Nolo Phiri”, a fashion line born from her creative entrepreneurship project, which collaborates with emerging artists to access new markets. As a vocal advocate for women, she’s worked with brands like Unilever’s “Even & Lovely” and launched the “Girl Next Door Conversation Series”, which mentors and inspires young creatives through masterclasses and workshops. Up next, Nolo is launching “Leading Ladies”, a 10-part roundtable series profiling women who lead in South Africa’s TV industry, offering a platform for knowledge-sharing and mentorship to the next generation of female creatives. One of her other passion projects she is currently developing is through an empowering collaboration with an acclaimed female Fine Artist to produce short films as an adaption of her body of work. |