New York-based filmmaker Emmanuel Afolabi debuts the second of his Bio films with Nataal this week. Following on from last year’s first installment (watch here), Bio Diaspora continues to explore ideas around what it means to be from the black diaspora in the US with a cast of his creative peers.

“This project is a self-exploration through conversations had with people who I identify with,” says the Nigeria-born director. “When I moved to America there was an adjustment of identity, I questioned what it meant to be black from Africa. The last Bio we worked on was impromptu and we hoped to answer questions pertaining to life, career and identity. This year’s project is more focused on the diaspora, asking specific questions about origin and black perception in society.”

The line-up includes beauty blogger Aysha Sow from West Africa via the Netherlands and Belgium and Brooklynite Denzel Bryan, who affirms: “I am black, I am beautiful, I am queer, I am powerful and I belong.” From Nigeria, Olive Uche runs the creative agency Njiko and Petahjay is an entrepreneur whose work “revolves around amplifying the voice of Africans”. Also from Nigeria, Johnathan Abuis is an artist and model, who says: “Blackness is strength, blackness is brilliance, it guides my movements and actions.”

Nataal contributor Lili Lopez, an illustrator and filmmaker from Senegal via France, reflects: “Blackness is being, it carries history, it’s a multicultural experience.” Finally Reyna Fallin is an actress of Guamanian, Panamanian, Puerto Rican and Haitian descent who was born in Japan. “I define blackness as being God’s rightful children,” she says.

Each share their unique perspectives in this tender and beautiful film.

Watch Afolabi’s first Bio film here.

Creative direction and film direction Emmanuel Afolabi
Set design and photographer Dotun Abeshinbioke
Styling Beoncia Dunn
Music composition Della Orrey
Camera Baldwin Angeles
Hair and make-up Temitope Adeyanju
Cast Aysha Sow, Lili Lopez, Olive Uche, Johnathan Abu, Denzel Bryan, Reyna Fallin, Petahjay

Visit Emmanuel Afolabi

Published on 15/02/2020