Meet Ayodeji Otuyelu

We were lucky to catch up with Ayodeji Otuyelu recently and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Ayodeji, we’re so appreciative of you taking the time to share your nuggets of wisdom with our community. One of the topics we think is most important for folks looking to level up their lives is building up their self-confidence and self-esteem. Can you share how you developed your confidence?

My favorite quote by Mahatma Gandhi, “Be the change you want to see in the world,” has always boosted my confidence. As a queer filmmaker living in New York City, I long to see on-screen stories that celebrate the joy of my community, but these narratives are rarely represented.

As a queer immigrant, I have always been a writer—of poetry, plays, and films. However, I was initially focused on surviving in my new environment and creating the life I wanted for myself. The thought of making a film or publishing a book felt distant and unattainable. Everything changed when my mentee confided in me about the discrimination she faced from her friends due to her skin color and hair texture. My heart broke not only for what she was enduring as a teenager but also because I felt helpless. Then, she recited one of my poems, “Hairitage,” which has always brought her joy. This moment transformed my mindset; I went from feeling powerless to recognizing the necessity of doing more.

That was how I embarked on the journey to create my first film, *Unsaid*, in 2020. After my first experimental poetry film, the outpouring of love and feedback made me realize that I could achieve more. Since then, I haven’t looked back; I have produced five short films, had three play readings, and I am currently working hard on my first feature film.

I cannot underestimate the power of my community. Whenever I struggle to bring an idea to life, I find strength in the support of those who believe in my work. Their encouragement lifts me up during tough times, boosts my self-esteem, and keeps me focused on my goal: to tell the beautiful stories of queer Africans living in the diaspora.

Appreciate the insights and wisdom. Before we dig deeper and ask you about the skills that matter and more, maybe you can tell our readers about yourself?

I am a writer and filmmaker, it all began for me as just a writer but then who best tells your story like you? This is how I became an independent filmmaker.

what is so special about the kind of film I make is the focus on the black queer African experience, in and outside of the country. I was the story of my community to be told beautifully, not the constant focus on trauma, there is so much joy to be shared with the world. I have made different short films like “Unsaid” and “Unsaid,” adapted from his book “Words in My Head,” which addresses themes such as homosexual relationships, feminism, and black celebration. My second film “The Outlandish,” celebrates the freedom of Transwomen of color and premiered at Outfest LA.

Currently fundraising to make my debut feature film Somewhere in the Park is My Love Letter to show the world the struggles of LGBT Nigerians seeking asylum in America and their quest to find a home and love among other Black Americans while healing from the trauma of their past and present.

If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?

I believe that community is very important, so I surround myself with people who believe in my work as much as I do. I also think it’s important to invest in yourself and your own education. There are so many ways to learn these days, so take advantage of them! For those just starting out, I always say “just do it!” Whatever way you choose to do it, make sure you do it well.

Is there a particular challenge you are currently facing?

Raising money has always been a big problem, I get people telling me, oh no one cares about African gay stories, well I care and the majority of people like myself do. There is a lot of issues around being Nigerian and gay and that sometimes comes in as a strength and sometimes a big challenge. I have connected with other black people who have helped immensely, I am very open to healthy collaborations. Hey if you have a connection to a big studios I am so happy to connect

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