Chike Nwoffiah: Reclaiming Our Narratives Through Authentic African Cinema

Africa’s image has long been shaped by narratives from outside its borders, but that is changing.

Leading the charge in reclaiming our own stories is Chike Nwoffiah, founder and director of the Silicon Valley African Film Festival (SVAFF), who has spent decades advocating for authentic African storytelling. Now, with the collaborative Sunu Reew Festival in The Gambia—an innovative event that brings together art, film, and community health—his vision takes on new urgency.

In an exclusive conversation with The Nollywood Reporter, the director of the the Silicone Valley African Film festival, SVAFF explained why it’s crucial for African filmmakers to tell our own stories—stories that bridge cultural gaps, heal communities, and elevate our cinema on the global stage.

 A Journey Rooted in Authenticity

Chike Nwoffiah’s background is as diverse as it is inspiring. A NigerianAmerican with over 35 years in Silicon Valley, he has navigated the worlds of technology, corporate business, and eventually, the creative arts. Today, he is best known as an educator, filmmaker, and cultural advocate who refuses to let African narratives be dictated by outsiders.

“I’ve been in Silicon Valley for a long time,” he recalls. “In the tech world, things are very specialized and compartmentalized. But back home, we see the world in a more integrated way. Art isn’t separate from science, just like storytelling isn’t separate from living.” His journey—from the corporate corridors to the creative stage—has been guided by this holistic vision. At SVAFF, he sought to create a festival that does more than screen films; it curates experiences, sparks conversations, and, most importantly, empowers African voices.

 Decolonizing African Storytelling

One of the central themes Nwoffiah passionately discussed is the need to decolonize African storytelling. For far too long, African narratives have been filtered through external lenses—narratives that often misrepresent our culture, history, and daily realities.

“Storytelling has always been at the heart of African societies,” Nwoffiah explains. “Our elders would gather under trees and share folktales that carried lessons, humor, and wisdom. But in modern times, too many of our stories have been told by those who are removed from our realities. This has led to stereotypes that do more harm than good.”

He argues that when our films and stories are crafted by outsiders, they risk reinforcing harmful perceptions. “These external narratives sometimes portray Africans as barbaric or backwards, justifying colonization and the theft of our resources. But the truth is, we are vibrant, dynamic, and diverse. We need to reclaim that narrative,” he says.

For Chike Nwoffiah, decolonizing storytelling is not just an academic exercise—it’s a practical necessity. African filmmakers must take ownership of their stories, ensuring that every film, every frame, speaks to our true identities. “We have the power to define who we are,” he adds. “We don’t need permission from anyone to tell our stories the way they should be told.”

Bridging Cultural Gaps with Film

In our exclusive conversation, Nwoffiah was asked how African films can contribute to healing and bridge cultural gaps, particularly during events like the Sunu Reew  medical mission. His answer was thoughtful and layered.

“Our festival, SVAFF, is all about showcasing Africa through African lenses,” he explains. “We’re based in Silicon Valley, surrounded by tech giants like Netflix, Adobe, Meta, and Google. Yet, what we offer is something different—a chance to see authentic African storytelling that isn’t filtered or diluted.”

He went on to highlight how African films have the unique ability to change perceptions. “For too long, our stories have been told by people who don’t really know us,” Chike said. “When audiences watch our films, they often say, ‘I never knew Africa was like this,’ or ‘I had no idea about this part of our history.’ That moment of realization is powerful. It’s not just about bridging a gap—it’s about completely filling it with our true, unfiltered identity.”

In his view, the impact of these films goes far beyond entertainment. They serve as catalysts for dialogue, opening up spaces where difficult subjects—like mental health, postgenocide recovery, or social injustice—can be discussed openly. “At our festival, after a screening of a short film, we often invite medical professionals, counselors, or community leaders to join a discussion. This isn’t just about critiquing a film—it’s about using film as a tool to heal and educate,” he adds.

Lessons in Film Curation and Community Engagement

Nwoffiah’s decades of experience have taught him many valuable lessons about film curation, particularly for communitybased projects. One clear takeaway is that short films often have more impact in community settings than longer features.

“A 90minute film might be great in a theater, but in a community event, it can be too draining. Short films—around 10 to 20 minutes—are perfect. They capture the essence of a story and leave the audience energized,” he explains.

This practical insight underpins his work at SVAFF and has influenced the way events like the Sunu Reew festival are designed. The goal is to create a holistic experience, where art, music, dance, and food all come together to engage every sense.

“At the upcoming Sunu Reew festival, we’re not just screening films. We’re setting up art exhibitions, hosting live dance and drumming performances, and even including communal meals,” he notes. “When people share a meal, it builds trust. When they see art and listen to live music, they feel connected. It’s a full sensory experience that prepares them for the films and the conversations that follow.”

This approach isn’t just about keeping an audience entertained—it’s about creating an environment where healing can take place. In The Gambia, where healthcare challenges are severe (with only 1.5 doctors per 10,000 patients), the fusion of art and medicine has a powerful role to play. As Victoria Lissong Richards-Ohwotu, the festival’s partner and founder of Sunu Reew, had previously said, “Art can help demystify the clinical and make healthcare more human.”

Global Implications: The Power of Authentic Narratives

Chike Nwoffiah also shared his thoughts on the global implications of African cinema. He drew comparisons between the way America curates its image and how Africa has been misrepresented. “America curates a very aspirational image—one that hides its struggles,” he observes. “Africa, on the other hand, is often presented in a way that emphasizes our challenges rather than our strengths.”

He believes that African cinema has the potential to change this dynamic. “We need to present our films with dignity and authenticity,” Nwoffiah stresses. “When we show the world who we truly are—without the need to mimic Western styles—we change the conversation. We make it clear that our stories, our art, are powerful and valuable on their own.”

A key example he offers is the global rise of Afrobeat. “Afrobeat has shown the world that we don’t have to imitate Western music to be successful,” he says. “It’s about staying true to our roots. If our music can capture the hearts of people worldwide, imagine what our films can do when they reflect our authentic voices.”

For Nwoffiah, this is not just a hope for the future—it’s a mission. Film festivals like SVAFF are tasked with curating these authentic narratives and ensuring that they are presented in environments that respect their cultural value. “We have a responsibility as curators,” he explains. “It’s not enough to just screen films; we must create contexts that allow audiences to fully appreciate the art. That means thoughtful programming, engaging discussions, and environments that celebrate our heritage.”

The Role of Festivals: SVAFF and the Sunu Reew

At its core, the Silicon Valley African Film Festival is about more than films. It’s about creating spaces for dialogue, healing, and cultural exchange. The director recounted an experience from a previous edition of SVAFF, where short films on health and wellness were grouped into a dedicated time slot. “After the screening, we revealed that medical professionals were among the audience,” he recalls. “People were moved—they cried, took notes, and engaged in conversations that lasted long after the films ended.”

This model of blending art with practical community engagement is central to the upcoming Sunu Reew  festival in The Gambia. Scheduled to run from February 1 to February 26, 2025, the festival promises a weeklong immersion into African culture. One of the highlights is the “Celebration of Arts and Culture” event on February 15 at the Senegambia Hotel, where influential figures such as Malian filmmaker Souleymane Cissé (to be honored, not screened), Gambian music scholar Daniel Laemou Jatta (whose work has been sampled by Beyoncé), and internationally acclaimed artist Mr. Njogu Touray will come together.

In addition, a health fair will be hosted at Sona Jobarteh’s The Gambia Academy. This innovative mix of art and health highlights the festival’s unique mission: to show that healing is not just a matter of medicine but also of cultural connection and storytelling. Victoria Sunu Reew, who founded the organization,  strongly believes that the integration of art into a medical mission can help break down barriers between patients and caregivers. “It’s about making healthcare more human,” she says.

For Nwoffiah, events like these serve as living examples of how art can be a transformative force. “When people leave these events, they take with them more than just an impression of a film or a performance—they carry a new understanding of who we are,” he explains.

Emerging Trends and the Future of African Cinema

Looking ahead, Chike Nwoffiah is buoyed by the energy and passion of emerging African filmmakers. He has witnessed firsthand how new voices across the continent are embracing their identity. “Emerging doesn’t just mean young,” he says. “It could be someone with years of experience who is just now daring to tell his story authentically. There is a new consciousness, a realization that we don’t have to mimic Western narratives to succeed.”

This emerging trend is seen not only in film but across all forms of African art. Afrobeat has set a precedent by proving that staying true to one’s roots can capture the global stage. “If Afrobeat can redefine what it means to be global by celebrating our unique sound, then our films can do the same by telling our stories our way,” he asserts.

He envisions a future in which African cinema is not a niche interest but the “goto cinema” for audiences around the world. “My prayer is that in the next decade, African films will be celebrated not because we wait for validation, but because we’ve earned it by telling our stories with pride and authenticity,” he shares.

Chike also acknowledges that challenges remain. Global perceptions of Africa are deeply rooted in historical stereotypes, and the academic frameworks that have long dictated the “rules” of cinema still linger. He is passionate about dismantling these old paradigms. “We must decolonize our minds,” he says. “We need to educate ourselves, challenge outdated notions, and fully embrace the richness of our heritage. Only then can we expect our films—and our stories—to be given the respect they deserve.”

For him, film festivals like SVAFF are critical not only for showcasing great art but also for driving this cultural shift. “Curating African films isn’t just about picking the best work—it’s about creating a narrative that speaks to who we are. That means fighting against tokenism and ensuring our films are seen in environments that respect their artistic and cultural value.”

 The Future Built on Authenticity

Chike Nwoffiah’s vision for African cinema is both a call to action and a hopeful glimpse into the future. He believes that authentic storytelling—rooted in our traditions, powered by our creativity, and free from external constraints—is the key to transforming global perceptions of Africa.

As the Sunu Reew festival in The Gambia prepares to open its doors from February 1 to February 26, 2025, with a dedicated “Celebration of Arts and Culture” at the Senegambia Hotel on February 15 and a health fair at Sona Jobarteh’s The Gambia Academy, the stakes are high. These events represent more than just film screenings—they are a comprehensive cultural experience that aims to heal, educate, and empower communities.

Chike’s message is clear: African cinema does not need validation from outside voices. We have a rich, untapped legacy of storytelling that has the power to heal and transform. “We must decolonize our minds, educate ourselves, and proudly tell our stories,” he insists. “When we do that, our cinema will not only survive—it will thrive.”

With a new generation of filmmakers emerging and a renewed commitment to cultural authenticity, the future of African cinema might looks bright. The journey may be long and challenging, but with festivals like SVAFF and Sunu Reew  leading the way, African stories will finally be told the way they were meant to be—honestly, powerfully, and unapologetically.