Few figures embody the spirit of African storytelling as profoundly as Femi Odugbemi. A celebrated writer, filmmaker, television producer, and photographer, Odugbemi has built an extraordinary career dedicated to telling authentic stories that inspire, educate, and preserve culture. As the Founder and Executive Producer of Zuri24 Media, his creative journey has transformed both the screen and the industry.

Educated in film and television production at Montana State University in the United States, Odugbemi has consistently demonstrated an unyielding commitment to excellence. His influence reaches beyond national borders.

He is one of the rare African creatives who holds voting membership in both the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences (Oscars) and the Academy of Television Arts and Sciences (Emmys), a recognition of his contributions to global storytelling.

Odugbemi is the mind behind some of Sub-Saharan Africa’s most successful television drama series. In 2008, he served as the founding content producer of Tinsel, Nigeria’s first multi-camera studio daily soap opera, which has become one of the longest-running dramas on the continent with more than 3,500 episodes. He went on to produce other household favourites, including Battleground, Brethren, Movement: Japa, and most recently, the gripping political drama Covenant. His feature films, from Maroko (2006) to Gidi Blues (2016), 4th Estate (2017), and Code Wilo (2018), further highlight his range and creative depth.

Equally renowned in documentary filmmaking, Odugbemi has produced award-winning titles that reflect both social realities and cultural heritage. His works include Oui Voodoo, Ibadan: Cradle of Literati, Metamorphosis, Oriki, Bariga Boy, Makoko: Futures Afloat, and the timely Unmasked: Leadership, Trust and the COVID-19 Pandemic in Nigeria. Each project demonstrates his ability to bring complex narratives to life while capturing the resilience of African communities.

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Beyond the camera, Odugbemi has championed industry development and cultural advocacy. He served as President of the Independent Television Producers Association of Nigeria (ITPAN), sits on the board of the Committee for Relevant Arts (CORA), and is a Fellow of Theatre Arts of NANTAP. His leadership has also been visible across global platforms as Head Judge of the Africa Magic Viewers’ Choice Awards, Head Jury of the Uganda Film Festival, juror at the Johannesburg International Film Festival, and mentor on the Netflix/UNESCO African Folktales Reimagined project.

In 2010, Odugbemi co-founded the iRepresent International Documentary Film Festival in Lagos, a landmark event that has become a hub for African filmmakers and storytellers. With its central theme of “Africa in self-conversation,” the festival has carved a unique space for films that amplify African voices and perspectives, hosting screenings from inner-city suburbs to Freedom Park, one of Lagos’ most iconic cultural venues.

His passion for mentorship has been equally impactful. As the pioneer Academy Director of the Multichoice Talent Factory in West Africa from 2018 to 2022, he nurtured the next generation of African filmmakers, instilling in them the confidence and skills to shape the future of storytelling. He continues to facilitate training and courses in institutions across the continent, reaffirming his role as a mentor, teacher, and cultural guide.

In recognition of his immense contributions, Odugbemi has been honoured with the Excellence Award of the Society of the Performing Arts of Nigeria (SPAN) in 2013 and the prestigious Lifetime Achievement Award of the Nigerian Film Corporation in 2018.

Today, Femi Odugbemi stands as more than a filmmaker. He is a custodian of culture, a curator of stories, and a relentless advocate for African creativity. His life’s work is proof that when stories are told with authenticity and passion, they have the power to reshape perceptions, preserve heritage, and ignite transformation.