Meet Zona Akunwanne

Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Zona Akunwanne. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Zona, thank you so much for joining us today. Let’s jump right into something we’re really interested in hearing about from you – being the only one in the room. So many of us find ourselves as the only woman in the room, the only immigrant or the only artist in the room, etc. Can you talk to us about how you have learned to be effective and successful in situations where you are the only one in the room like you?

I find there is strength in being like absolutely nobody else. I’m definitely not the only Nigerian American female director, actress or writer to ever exist. There were many before me that paved the way and allowed me to exist in these spaces. But I am definitely the only Zona. When you bring your own story, you bring your own experience contributing to those around you. Another reason why I have people from all over on my sets and in my workspace, providing their own knowledge and “je ne sais quoi”. When given rejection, I never take it to heart. I know what is meant for me will be attracted to me. Meaning when they need a “Zona” they’ll seek out Zona. Good art is always a possibility, but I believe great art only be created with multiple voices. Being you is a genuine superpower. That being said, when I’m the only one in the room that resembles me, what motivates me is opening doors so in the future it no longer looks like that.

Thanks for sharing that. So, before we get any further into our conversation, can you tell our readers a bit about yourself and what you’re working on?

Miseducated, created and directed by Akunwanne and written with her Co-writer Charlie Lucas sets the stage as a quirky mockumentary comedy, following an all-Black women’s study group at their predominantly white institution. The series’ distinct format is reminiscent of iconic works such as The Misadventures of Awkward Black Girl, Abbott Elementary, Grownish, and Community, working to redefine representation by allowing Black women to thrive in diverse genres. Its second Season beginning October 10th, tackles identity, friendship, and family all while remaining hilarious as ever.

There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?

The skill to “just start”. We as people fear the unknown and making a project for the first time was uncharted territory for me, So many times I’ll have ideas lined up for future works but wait until “the right” moment which in my opinion now rarely exists. Some creatives will wait to be fully funded before they begin their project, but with Miseducated I knew this was a story that needed to begin now, money acquired or not. Similar to me and the main cast, the characters are at the very beginning of their college journey and I believed there was no better way of depicting that than experiencing it simultaneously to filming. The area of knowledge was having a team of people in your corner who know more about things than you. Miseducated’s Director of Photography, Camera Operator, and Editor Amari Akua brings an expertise that I didn’t possess as a marketing major, at the time. Miseducated’s team of writers including Charlie Lucas and Rezi Oziwo show up to the scene with a pen on fire, creating things beyond my comedy dreams. Symphony Simpson and Harmony Simpson, don’t just star as the fashionable London and Paris Baxter, but provide us with fashion tips off camera working in costume and wardrobe. The entire crew of Miseducated from our PA’s to our Makeup Artist to our Sound & Light, grows everyday and remains on their A game making this series something special. The most important is the quality of not being affected by the word “no.” You’ll hear it over and over, so make sure you get used to it, but don’t get comfortable. Because no possesses the power of redirection.

Who has been most helpful in helping you overcome challenges or build and develop the essential skills, qualities or knowledge you needed to be successful?

My co-writer and partner in crime Charlie Lucas. When I approached writer Charlie Lucas with the concept of Miseducated they were immediately on board. The idea alone was enough to sell him to become a Co-writer on the series. But he’s not just an immense creative help. His versatile talents aided me in the direction of the series, casting, and being an extra voice on set. Miseducated is nothing without the people behind it. I often tell him that without him this show would’ve just been another one of ideas collecting dust in the Notes App.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/miseducatedtheseries?igsh=MXZ6dmpwZWt5aXJkbg==
• Youtube: https://youtube.com/@miseducatedtheseries?si=XGS_G8VhiwiEfTfb
• Other: Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@miseducatedtheseries?_t=ZT-90tuaP0QkU1&_r=1

Image Credits

Mehki Turner
Amari Akua