WE WERE THERE! Seychelles To Silicon Valley: The African Diaspora’s Creative Renaissance At The Silicon Valley African Film Festival
By Kahshanna Evans | November 10, 2025 | Celebrity & Culture
At most popular film festivals, Africa’s role in cinema is downplayed, somehow secondary, or altogether excluded, but that’s not the case with the Silicon Valley African Film Festival (SVAFF), founded by Chike Nwoffiah.
Nested in the newly renovated Historic Hoover Theatre on its opening night of the 16th Annual SVAFF alongside award-winning filmmakers, there was an unmistakable sense of fellowship and interconnection. Guests and the extended SVAFF network of supporters were greeted with live African rhythms during the kickoff reception before settling into thoughtful acknowledgments that served as a powerful reminder: telling stories that matter and inclusivity truly take a village.
All jokes about who ultimately has the best jollof rice aside (and there were plenty of them), sponsors such as the City of San Jose, Visit San Jose California, National Coalition of Black Women (NCB 100), Adobe, Black Leadership Kitchen Cabinet, Silicon Valley Office of Protocol, Coco de Mer Fragrance Co. and many more, play a role in sustaining the culturally rich experience.
In stark contrast to predictable storylines—and the complicated matter of global inclusion in entertainment—Nwoffiah unapologetically established “Africa through an African Lens,” a celebrated theme of belonging and mattering among the international audience the festival attracts.
The contrast between Silicon Valley’s presence as the epicenter of information technology and the astonishingly low African-descent and Black population — at less than 3% — and the shocking level of youth poverty inspired Nwoffiah’s purpose-driven vision at the heart of the festival.
Esteemed guests were in attendance, such as the Honorable Commissioner Litha Musyimi-Ogana, member of the African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights, Supervisor Lisa Gauthier, San Mateo County Board of Directors, and Deana Tryon, Chief of Protocol, Silicon Valley Office of Protocol, to name a few.
SVAFF was a refreshingly moving and entertaining mecca of short and long form films that depict what Nwoffiah describes as the pride of heritage. Soussaba Cissé’s documentary, Beware!, was a highly anticipated screening of the film on legendary filmmaker Souleymane Cissé (1940-2025), her late father, known for his significant contributions to shaping African cinema and the recipient of the 2024 SVAFF Cultural Icon Award.
Dr. Omotola Jalade Ekeinde, MFR, (pictued above) MFR, made her directorial debut with Mother’s Love, a must-see. The Fisherman, directed by Zoe Martin, was laugh-out-loud hilarious. Unfinished Business: Sunshine Anderson Documentary had the audience singing in unison.
Behind the Headlines: The NABJ Journey documentary premiered, followed by a powerful talkback session. Wrong Address was a bold reminder of the harm of unchecked anti-blackness and police violence versus art as a bridge to identity, expression and culture. Thoughtful panel discussions, facilitated by Taylor Leigh Edwards and Nia Miranda, were clarifying, allowing the audience time to process and learn.
Meeting the filmmakers, entrepreneurs, grassroots organizers, leaders and friends was a timely reminder of Ubuntu, which loosely translates to “I am because we are.” Feeling held, I gazed as the vibrant array of flags carried by the storytellers, artists and countrymen representing their nations illuminated the stage of the Hammer Theater for the SVAFF closing ceremony. A true sense of fellowship was unmistakable, bringing the warmth of intentional collective care aligned with a higher cause.
Ubuntu Awards were presented to distinguished servant leaders, including Hon. Dr. Litha Musyimi-Ogana, African Union Commissioner on Human and Peoples’ Rights; Pastor Paul Bains; André V. Chapman; Supervisor Lisa Gauthier; Pastor Sean & Lorianna Gardere; Rev. Dr. James Okafor; Deanna Tryon; Viera Whye; Jahmal C. Williams; Dr. Omotola Jalade Ekeinde; Zoe Martinson.
There are some fantastic initiatives in the works from WeHope, United Hope Builders, Fostering Promise, San Mateo County Board of Supervisors, District 4, Silicon Valley Office of Protocol, Tabia African American Theatre Ensemble, San Jose State University Office of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion and Bible Way Christian Center.
I accepted an unanticipated invitation from Nwoffiah to take the stage among my new filmmaking companions to share a few words about Coco de Mer Fragrance Co.—the exclusive distributor of the Coco de Mer Collection, bringing the perfume collection from Seychelles to North America—and their role as an official sponsor for this year’s unforgettable cultural experience.
Honored to take the stage, I confided my disappointment growing up under the influence of false narratives that centered Europe as the only hero in filmmaking and the exclusive purveyor of luxury. Thanking and congratulating the filmmakers, I imagined how many young people could be positively impacted over time with Nwoffiah and his team of cultural innovators at the helm. Seychelles, I continued, is a proud leader of the Blue Economy concept, which centers on sustainable ocean-based development, aiming to harness marine resources for economic growth while prioritizing conservation, social equity, and long-term resilience.
Film and perfume both remind us to consume true stories, hopes, and dreams responsibly. As a form of self care, we ritualize memorable occasions with perfumes we iconize as “The One;” as a form of unapologetic collective care, remembrance, celebration, and cultural upliftment—we gather across generations and lived experiences with pride in the legacy of our heritage, connecting through art, music, design, culture, meaningful connections and a vision of a better world.
Photo credit: Asha Weal, R.I.C.E. Media, Coco De Mer
