Who or what is your inspiration in business?

Born in Los Angeles to Ethiopian-Eritrean parents, storytelling has always been a part of my identity. Growing up near Sony Pictures, I saw the power of film to inspire change. I partnered with like-minded creatives to build KITFO TV, a platform amplifying East African narratives. With Africa’s immense market potential, we aim to empower filmmakers to share authentic stories and shape a new era of African cinema. Over the past year, we’ve hosted two successful film festivals.

How do you stay motivated?

I stay motivated by immersing myself in the stories and journeys of fellow entrepreneurs and creatives who have paved the way for change. Whether it’s learning from trailblazers in the film industry or engaging with my community, I find constant inspiration in overcoming challenges and pushing boundaries. Ultimately, I’m motivated to amplifying KITFO TV, which is set to empower East African filmmakers to control their narratives and share their stories with the world.

What would you do with the $25,000?

With $25,000, I would elevate KITFO TV by funding impactful events, expanding our streaming platform, and providing resources to East African filmmakers. This investment would help us scale operations, enhance production quality, and foster collaborations with talented creatives, allowing us to build strategic partnerships and position KITFO TV as a premier destination for authentic African storytelling. We want to empower filmmakers to share their stories and shape the future of African cinema.