Umanu Elijah | |
|---|---|
| Born | |
| Nationality | Nigerian |
| Education | National Open University of Nigeria Coventry University (MSc, Project Management) |
| Occupations |
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| Years active | 2010–present |
| Known for |
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| Notable work |
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| Awards | Nelson Mandela Leadership Award, Forbes Global Climate Recognition, AMVCA nominations |
Umanu Ochuwa Ojochenemi Elijah is a Nigerian entrepreneur, [1] filmmaker, [2] and humanitarian. [3] He is the founder of Krystal Filmworks, Krystal TV Africa, and the Krystal Film Academy. [1] Elijah is known for his involvement in social impact initiatives [4] and his work in the Nigerian film industry, including multiple nominations at the Africa Magic Viewers' Choice Awards (AMVCA). [2] He is also the founder of TUDI Africa, a non-governmental organization focused on youth empowerment and community development. [5]
Umanu Elijah was born in Fugar, Edo State, Nigeria. He hails from Ifeku Island Community in Etsako Central Local Government Area. [1] He obtained a National Diploma in Computer Engineering from Kings Computer College and later earned a university degree from the National Open University of Nigeria (NOUN). He holds additional qualifications including a certificate in Digital Storytelling from the University of Birmingham, a filmmaking course from the British Council, and a degree in Project Management from Coventry University in the United Kingdom. [6]
Elijah is active in the Nigerian film industry as a director, producer, and storyteller. [7] He is the founder and CEO of Krystal Filmworks, a media production company, and Krystal Film Academy, which trains aspiring filmmakers. [8] His works have featured on platforms such as IMDB, Netflix and Amazon Prime Video. [9]
Elijah founded TUDI Africa (The Umanu Development Initiative), a non-governmental organization dedicated to youth development, civic engagement, and community empowerment in Africa. [10]
Notable initiatives by TUDI Africa include:
| Year | Film | Credited as | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Director | Producer | Writer | Cinematographer | Actor | Editor | ||
| 2019 | The Millions [13] | Yes | |||||
| 2019 | Made in Heaven [14] | Yes | |||||
| 2019 | Locked [15] | Yes | |||||
| 2019 | She Is [16] | Yes | |||||
| 2020 | LOUD [17] | Yes | |||||
| 2020 | JOCA (Just One Call Away) [18] [19] | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | |
| 2021 | Devil in Agbada [20] | Yes | |||||
| 2021 | Bitter Rain [21] | Yes | |||||
| 2022 | Almajiri [22] | Yes | |||||
| 2022 | Edge of Time [23] | Yes | |||||
| 2022 | A Place Called Forward [24] | Yes | Yes | Yes | |||
| 2024 | Break of Dawn [25] | Yes | |||||
In 2020, Elijah was recognized by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) for his participation in campaigns aimed at combating COVID-19 misinformation. [8]
He is affiliated with several notable organizations, including ForbesBLK, the Young African Leaders Initiative (YALI), and the Directors Guild of Nigeria. His work has been featured at international festivals and summits such as the Africa International Film Festival (AFRIFF), Africa Movie Academy Awards (AMAA), New York Film Festival, SIFF Moldova, Nollywood Travel Film Festival (NTFF) Berlin, and the NGO International Film Festival (NGOIFF) Kenya. [2] [26]