Ema Edosio Deelen is a filmmaker known for her visually expressive, emotionally grounded storytelling that explores identity, resilience, and the human spirit. She is the founder of City Gates Film Production, a studio committed to bold, character-driven stories that resonate across cultures. Her debut feature, Kasala!, screened at over 30 international film festivals and won nine awards, gaining praise for its energy and sharp insight into youth and class.
Her second film, Otiti, premiered at the Brazil African Film Festival and was celebrated for its sensitive portrait of estranged family ties and personal redemption. With a background in cinematography and directing from the Motion Pictures Institute of Michigan, Ema’s filmmaking is rooted in a strong visual language shaped by years of experience as a video journalist and director for global platforms including the BBC, Vice, and Bloomberg.
Her latest film, When Nigeria Happens, is the first Nigerian contemporary dance drama. It will have its world premiere in August 2025 as the opening film of the Open Doors program