Izu Okafor

Enugu, Nigeria

Izu Okafor, a social entrepreneur & filmmaker, was born and raised in the city of Enugu. His academic journey led him to pursue Animal and Environmental Biology at Imo State University, where he specialized in Hydobiology and Aquaculture.

Prior to embarking on his filmmaking journey, Izu was actively involved in organizing youth-themed summits and events in Enugu, Asaba, and Owerri, hosting and inspiring approximately 5000 young minds on different occasions. Notably, he played a pivotal role in organizing the pioneer Hult Prize at IMSU(2018), showcasing his passion for empowering the next generation.

In 2019, Izu displayed his commitment to community development by serving in Numan, Adamawa State, where he selflessly taught basic ICT skills to young children from the local community, leaving an indelible impact on their lives.

With a burning desire to tell captivating stories through the medium of film, Izu delved into the world of filmmaking. Under the mentorship of the renowned AMAA Winning Editor Stephen Onaji Onche, he honed his video editing skills while collaborating on remarkable projects for ROK studios, including the acclaimed films/ Tv series "Mustapha," "Love Me," "Wede," "Black Sheep," "Indulgence," and "Nneoma," among others. His dedication and passion led him to oversee the production of "Greenlight" for Sixar Studios, showcasing his prowess in the filmmaking process.

Further enhancing his craft, Izu underwent training and certification as a producer under the tutelage of the award-winning film producer Chris Odeh, known for his cinematic works like "Living in Bondage: Breaking Chains," "Rattlesnake: The Ahanna Story," and "Choke." This experience allowed Izu to gain invaluable knowledge in film production, enriching his creative journey.

In 2022, Izu collaborated on the creation of the web series "Perfect Distraction," the feature film "Greenlight" under Sixar Studios, and the impactful short films "Kamsi's Diary" and "Chiugo." The latter received international recognition, earning nominations and official selections at three prestigious film festivals, including Race for Justice in Los Angeles.