Meet Stephen Shenboyejo

We recently connected with Stephen Shenboyejo and have shared our conversation below.

Stephen, we’re thrilled to have you sharing your thoughts and lessons with our community. So, for folks who are at a stage in their life or career where they are trying to be more resilient, can you share where you get your resilience from?

My resilience comes from a combination of my lived experiences, my creative journey in filmmaking, and a deep internal drive to turn difficult situations into meaningful stories that can impact society.

Growing up and building a career in an environment where resources are limited taught me early that persistence is not optional—it’s survival. Over the years, whether it was developing emotionally complex films like Alone, pushing through setbacks in production, or navigating the unpredictable world of festivals and industry gatekeepers, I learned to stand firm even when the odds were against me. Every award, every recognition across the US, Europe, and Africa, and every breakthrough moment came after seasons of struggle, self-belief, and relentless work.

I also draw resilience from purpose. I’m driven by a mission to create cinema that shifts perspectives—stories that resonate globally, not just locally. Knowing that my work can inspire, educate, or change how people see the world fuels me through any obstacle. Even when a project stalls, funding is uncertain, or technology challenges arise, I remind myself that my voice as a filmmaker has value.

Finally, my resilience is reinforced by faith, family, and a belief that creativity is a calling. Every challenge I’ve faced, from rebuilding stories to reinventing my approach to balancing personal pressures, has shaped me into someone who doesn’t quit. Instead, I evolve—and that evolution is the foundation of my strength.

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’m a filmmaker and creative director whose work sits at the intersection of storytelling, social impact, and cinematic innovation. My career has been shaped by a deep commitment to telling emotionally grounded stories that resonate with audiences worldwide—stories that explore humanity, society, and the quiet battles people face every day.

One of my most defining works is ALONE, a short narrative film that earned multiple awards, including the UN SDGs Viewers’ Choice Award. The film was also recommended for educational use because of its strong societal relevance, and it is proudly listed in the British UK Film Database. What makes ALONE truly special is the way it connected with viewers across different cultures and regions, proving that when a story is honest and deeply emotional, it has the power to transcend borders.

My brand, Film Empire Int’l, is built on the belief that cinema should inspire thought, evoke emotion, and leave a lasting impact. We focus on producing high-quality films that uphold global storytelling standards while celebrating African creativity and perspectives. What sets us apart is our dedication to crafting meaningful narratives with strong cinematic aesthetics, no matter the scale of production.

I’ve been fortunate to be featured in U.S. media outlets such as VoyageATL, VoyageLA, ShoutoutATL, and ShoutoutLA, as well as prominent Nigerian publications like Vanguard, The Nation, ThisDay Newspapers, and Business Elites Africa. These features helped share my journey, highlight my work, and introduce my artistic voice to broader audiences.

Today, my focus remains consistent: creating films that speak to the human experience and spark conversation. Every project I work on is driven by purpose, emotion, and a commitment to excellence. At the heart of my brand is a passion for storytelling—stories that matter, stories that touch people, and stories that stand the test of time.

Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?

Emotional Intelligence & Human Observation

One of the most important qualities that shaped my filmmaking journey is the ability to understand people—to really see their emotions, their struggles, and the quiet moments that define them. This sensitivity allows me to create stories that feel authentic and deeply human.

My advice:

Spend time observing life. Pay attention to people—their rhythms, their fears, the way they speak, the way they break, the way they heal. Great storytelling begins with empathy, and empathy begins with paying attention.

Relentless Resilience

The film industry is demanding. There are rejections, delays, budget limitations, and unexpected obstacles. What carried me through wasn’t just talent—it was resilience. The willingness to keep moving even when things were uncertain is what allowed me to create work like ALONE, despite the challenges.

My advice:

Resilience isn’t built overnight. It grows each time you push forward when it would be easier to stop. Embrace setbacks as part of the journey; they will refine you, not destroy you. Always remember why you started.

Mastery of Craft and Constant Self-Education

Understanding the language of film—story structure, cinematography, pacing, character psychology—has been crucial. I never stop learning, and I constantly study films, techniques, and creative approaches from around the world. That hunger to grow is a major part of my journey.

My advice:

Develop your craft deliberately. Watch films critically, read scripts, study the masters, take courses, and practice consistently.
The industry rewards those who never stop evolving. Your knowledge and skill are what ultimately separate a hobbyist from a professional.

Before we go, any advice you can share with people who are feeling overwhelmed?

When I feel overwhelmed, I remind myself to slow down and reconnect with clarity. The creative industry can be intense—deadlines, expectations, and the pressure to constantly deliver can easily pile up. Over time, I’ve learned that overwhelm is not a sign of weakness; it’s simply a signal to pause, breathe, and recalibrate.

For me, the first step is stepping away from the noise, even if it’s just for a short while. I take time to be alone, reflect, and regain my inner balance. This space helps me reset mentally and emotionally. Sometimes, simply sitting quietly or taking a walk allows me to return to my work with a clearer mind and renewed focus.

I also find strength in remembering my purpose. Whenever stress feels heavy, I remind myself why I create films in the first place—to tell meaningful stories and make an impact. That grounding sense of purpose helps me realign my energy and continue with more intention.

My advice for others:

Don’t push through burnout. Rest is part of the creative process.

Create mental stillness. Clarity often comes when your mind isn’t overstimulated.

Reconnect with your “why.” Purpose is a powerful anchor when everything feels chaotic.

Break things down. When a task feels too big, divide it into small, manageable steps.

Overwhelm is natural, but learning how to reset—mentally, emotionally, and creatively—is what keeps you consistent and allows your best work to emerge.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: @bystevethedirector
• Linkedin: stephen shenboyejo