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Chijindu Kelechi Eke
NationalityNigeria
Other namesKelechi Eke
Alma materUniversity of Texas at Dallas
OccupationFilm Director
Years active2009-Present
Known forFilm
TitleIchie Ihemba 1 of Imerienwe

Chijindu Kelechi Eke is a Nigerian film director.[1] He is the founder of the African Film Festival(TAFF),[2] and the creator of African streaming service, Rootflix. After a coronation in 2023,[3] he was installed into a chieftaincy role as the "Ichie Ihemba" of Imerienwe in the Imo State of Nigeria.[4]

Early life

Kelechi was born in Amafor, Imerienwe in Imo State Nigeria.[1] He moved to the United States to further his education[5] where he obtained a Master of Business Administration and a Master of Science in Information Technology from the University of Texas at Dallas.[6]

Career

Kelechi began his film career in 2009 featuring as a producer and actor in Okra Principle.[7] He started BigObi Productions in 2011[5] and directed the 2012 film Lost In Abroad which has been featured in libraries at Harvard University, University of Iowa Libraries, Northwestern University and the University of Wisconsin–Madison, and Madison General Library System.[8] He also directed the 2013 film False Engagement[9] and the 2014 film The Stepchild.[10]

He is also the founder of The African Film Festival (TAFF), and held the first edition in Dallas, Texas.[2]

In 2017, he began the development of Rootflix, a streaming and distribution platform for festival-qualified films and launched it in 2019.[11]

Royalty

Chijindu kelechi Eke was made Ichie Ihemba 1 of Imerienwe because of his love for his people, commitment to the development of his community, and passion for the preservation and celebration of their culture. “Ihe” means light and “mba” means community.[4]

Filmography

Title Genre Role Year Reference
Okra Principle Drama Actor 2012 [7]
Akwuna Short film Actor 2014 [12]
Lost In Abroad Drama Director 2012 [13]

Awards

Film Awards

In 2015, Kelechi won the People’s Choice Best Director award at Nollywood and African Film Critics Award and won the Movie Achievement Award at Los Angeles Nollywood Film Awards.[14]

Humanitarian Awards

In 2014, he received a Lifetime Achievement Award from the Nigerian-American Multicultural Center (NAMC).[5][better source needed]

On August 19, 2023, Kelechi received the United States President Lifetime Achievement Award for his social contributions.[15]

References

  1. ^ a b fatshimetrie (2023-12-16). "Kelechi Eke, founder of the TAFF festival, inducted leader of his community for his exceptional contribution to cultural development". Fatshimetrie. Retrieved 2023-12-18.
  2. ^ a b "African Film Festival in Texas Bridges Cultures". Voice of America. 2016-07-07. Retrieved 2023-12-18.
  3. ^ Njoku, Benjamin (2023-12-16). "Kelechi Eke bags chieftaincy title, hosts VILLAFFEST in Owerri". Vanguard NG. Retrieved 2024-01-25.
  4. ^ a b Imo Community reverberates as film maker, Kelechi Eke takes highest chieftaincy role.Vanguardng (Accessed: 22 January 2024).
  5. ^ a b c Ltd, Fresco Software Solution Pvt. "Kelechi Eke | AFRIFAMU". DAORA BEADS. Retrieved 2023-12-18.
  6. ^ "Alumni Notes - The University of Texas at Dallas". alumni.utdallas.edu. Retrieved 2024-02-08.
  7. ^ a b "The okra principle | WorldCat.org". search.worldcat.org. Retrieved 2023-12-18.
  8. ^ "Lost in abroad : have we forgotten our roots? | WorldCat.org". search.worldcat.org. Retrieved 2023-12-18.
  9. ^ "False engagement | WorldCat.org". search.worldcat.org. Retrieved 2023-12-18.
  10. ^ "The Stepchild". TVGuide.com. Retrieved 2023-12-18.
  11. ^ Nigeria, Guardian (2019-03-16). "Kelechi Eke launches new film streaming platform". The Guardian Nigeria News - Nigeria and World News. Retrieved 2023-12-18.
  12. ^ "Veteran Nollywood actress, Stella Damasus, others stars in Akwụna". Boomplay.
  13. ^ tosan (2012-02-26). ""Lost in Abroad" premiere's at the Majestic Theater". Trendy Africa. Retrieved 2023-12-18.
  14. ^ G, Vida (2015-09-07). "LANFA Award-Winning Filmmaker to Screen His Films". Hollywood Press Corps. Retrieved 2023-12-18.
  15. ^ Njoku, Benjamin (2023-12-18). "I'm humbled being honured with US President Lifetime Achievement award – Kelechi Eke". Vanguard NG. Retrieved 2023-12-18.

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