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Abbesi Akhamie is a Nigerian-American writer/director and producer born in Heidelberg, Germany. With an MFA in Film from New York University, Abbesi's work centers the experiences and stories of Africa and its diaspora. Her artistic journey began with the premiere of her debut short film, Still Water Runs Deep, at the Toronto International Film Festival, where it garnered critical acclaim and won the Best Student Short Film award at Aspen ShortsFest. Her subsequent short film, The Couple Next Door, premiered at Aspen ShortsFest and garnered the Audience Choice Award at the Reel Sisters of the Diaspora Film Festival. It is now available for streaming on the Criterion Collection. She was also selected for the prestigious Black Rock Artist Residency in Dakar, Senegal, founded by Kehinde Wiley, the renowned Obama presidential portraitist.

Currently, Abbesi is developing two feature films alongside an African retro-futuristic series entitled, “The Incredible Fiancées of Sèyí Àjàyí.” Her talent has been recognized and supported by esteemed institutions such as the Chanel Writer's Network, Princess Grace Foundation, SFFILM Rainin Grant, Berlinale Talents, and NYSCA/NYFA, to name a few. Alongside her artistic pursuits, she teaches and mentors across West Africa, providing knowledge and skills to aspiring storytellers.

•  Watch "The Incredible" Short Film Trailer + Donate HERE!

•  Read LOVE African Cinema Syllabus

•  Subscribe to The Afropolitan Yellow Pages, my inspirations from Africa and the diaspora.