Confirmed speakers:
Moyo Akandé, Actor/Producer
Jeaniq Amihyia, Director/Photographer/Cinematographer
Cynthia Okoye, Talent Agent, Curtis Brown
Host: Akua Gyamfi, Founder, The British Blacklist
Supported by Brook and Anita Land in loving memory of Lesley Land.
Lesley Land was a beloved and respected entertainment publicist who spent much of her career working within the broadcasting industry, including at Channel 4, Sky, The Outside Organisation, Taylor Herring and Planet Hollywood. Lesley led memorable PR campaigns for some of the UK’s most high-profile and ground-breaking television programmes, from Dr Who to Gogglebox and the documentary Jews Don’t Count. Lesley was a passionate advocate of the film and television industry and was known for her flair, creativity and wit. She died unexpectedly in December 2022, leaving a lasting legacy on the industry, her family and all those who knew her.
Speaker Bios:
Moyo Akandé, Actor/Producer
Scottish-Nigerian Moyo Akandé is an actor and producer. She grew up in Glasgow, Scotland, before heading to London. She now has an extensive list of film and television credits in particular for the BBC and has also worked consistently in theatres across Britain with Oliver and Tony award-winning directors.
Her passion for film and diverse storytelling led her to co-found an independent production company, Lucid Dreamers Productions with her sister Morayo Akandé, where they continue to produce international content from a fresh perspective.
Moyo has recently completed and produced her third short film, ‘A.V Van’ - a BFI.NETWORK and Screen Scotland funded short film. ‘A.V. Van’ which was officially selected to screen at The Edinburgh International Film Festival 2023. She script developed and starred in the BAFTA and BIFA nominated tense period drama ‘1745’ - a Scottish Film Talent Network and BFI.NETWORK funded short film. ‘1745’ is currently being developed into a feature film with Film 4 in which she will also star in the leading role. Moyo is currently gearing up to produce her debut feature film ‘Konbini Zombies’ a dark-comedy horror, in Tokyo, Japan.
Jeaniq Amihyia, Director/Photographer/Cinematographer
Jeaniq is a Director and Photographer with over 8 years of experience in planning, developing, and implementing campaigns and projects, as well as editing and VFX production. He is passionate about his work and loves what he does. Jeaniq's work ethic is centered around continuous improvement, as reflected in his mantra, "Kaizen," a Japanese motivational method. Jeaniq's notable achievements include his work as a Director for the Top Boy legacy documentary, which outlines the evolution of Top Boy from Drake's fandom to the upcoming series and its exploration of London culture. He has also worked with top brands such as Nike, Adidas, Converse, Netflix, Google, Selfridges, Greenpeace, BBC, Playstation, Fender, Island Records, and Universal Records, producing a range of content from campaigns to content production.
Amihyia’s commitment extends far beyond the studio walls, as he selflessly mentors over 150 aspiring young minds and captivates audiences through moving seminars, sharing invaluable knowledge and inspiration.
Cynthia Okoye, Talent Agent, Curtis Brown
Cynthia Okoye joined Curtis Brown in 2008 having graduated from the University of Nottingham with a degree in Law (LLB). She initially worked with agent Amanda Davis across her brilliant list of writers and directors in the theatre, film and television department before setting up her own list.
Her mission is to find and represent unique filmmaking talent and enable them to build careers in the UK film and television industry, and beyond. Her list is an eclectic range of writing and directing talent. From the very new to the very established. From smart character-based comedy to bold drama and imaginative, distinctive surprising ways of storytelling. Her clients work across film, TV and occasionally theatre, and include Mickey Down (HBO's Industry), Shola Amoo (The Last Tree), Tom Moran (The Devil's Hour), and Francesca Gregorini (The Dropout, Killing Eve).
Host Bio:
Akua Gyamfi, Founder, The British Blacklist
Akua Gyamfi has over 25 years of experience in the entertainment industry, with a career spanning fashion, film, television, theatre, print and online media. In 2012 Akua founded The British Blacklist, a platform that celebrates the talents of British Black creatives across Screen, Stage, Literature and Sound. She also produces podcasts Your Aunties Could Never (popular culture), and TBB Talks (interviews with Black creatives from around the globe). Alongside writer/producer Leon Mayne, Akua is the co-creator/co-exec producer and host of podcast series The Circle speaking to Black & Asian professionals working in Film & Television, the pair also host a monthly film club at Shoreditch Electric. In 2019 Akua joined forces with Soul Film, and We Are Parable to launch the S.O.U.L. Film Festival, an annual event which showcases the best of Black filmmakers and content creators from the UK and the wider Diaspora. Akua is also a much sought after Q&A moderator having moderated for BAFTA, Netflix, Disney, BBC and more speaking to the likes of Viola Davis, Ryan Coogler, Letitia Wright, Spike Lee, Daniel Kaluuya, Gina Prince-Bythewood, Barbara Broccoli and more.
Accessibility
BAFTA is an arts charity that is open and welcoming to everyone. This means we want every visit to BAFTA 195 Piccadilly to be as enjoyable and comfortable as possible.
Please be advised:
- If you are attending one of our events at 195 Piccadilly and have access requirements, then please email events@bafta.org with as much notice as possible to discuss these with us.
- If you would prefer to speak to someone over the phone to discuss access requirements, please call our dedicated reception team on 020 7734 0022.
- If you are a wheelchair user then please email events@bafta.org to book your space alongside any accompanying guest(s), with as much notice as possible.
- Accompanying assistants, carers or companions can attend free of charge. Please email events@bafta.org ahead of the event to book this complimentary ticket.
- Please find a comprehensive Access Guide for our building HERE.
- Our newly developed building has been designed with accessibility in mind, and we have made improvements including adding an additional lift, widening doors and corridors, removing steps and ledges and installing disabled toilets on every floor. Working with Peter Connell Associates, we have made significant changes to improve accessibility, and we will engage with our audiences to continue to improve.
Terms and Conditions
By purchasing a ticket for this event, you agree to the terms and conditions listed below:
Please see here for our Academy Screenings and Events Code.
Please note, the use of professional photography or recording equipment is prohibited during this event.
