Afoali Ngwakum Akisa is a Montreal-based creative mind, storyteller, and founder of 9:16 Stories, a video production company specializing in emotionally resonant, goal-driven narratives. Inspired by her father’s love for capturing family memories, Afoali turned her passion for storytelling into a thriving career, helping businesses and creators cut through the digital noise with content that connects and drives results.
Her work has delivered measurable impact across industries. Afoali’s expertise helped Swab the World raise over $232,000 through social media campaigns, secured $614,000 in funding for Sayaspora’s mission to empower African women, and supported Juno in raising $300,000 to innovate menstrual health solutions. Known for blending creativity and strategy, Afoali ensures that her clients’ stories resonate and inspire action.
In her workshops, Afoali empowers participants to create engaging content that not only captures attention but delivers real results. By sharing practical techniques, creative insights, and actionable strategies, she equips business owners, marketers, and creators with the tools to stand out in today’s crowded content landscape.
Afoali Ngwakum Akisa
Few people understand the importance of the arts and culture sector as well as Cameron Bailey. He is CEO of the Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF) - the world's largest public film festival and one of Canada's premier cultural brands. Under his strategic direction, the festival continues to grow in size and significance each year.
Bailey began his career as a film critic. He also curated films for Cinematheque Ontario, The National Gallery of Canada, The National Film Board of Canada, and Australia’s Sydney International Film Festival before joining TIFF in 1990. He began as a programmer selecting Canadian films before moving on to African and South Asian cinema. He’s responsible for TIFF’s highly successful subscription series, Reel Talk, and also headed TIFF’s Perspective Canada series and founded its Planet Africa section.
Bailey has taught film curation at the University of Toronto and holds an honorary doctorate from Western University. He is a Chevalier in France’s Order of Arts and Letters, member of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Science, and for 12 consecutive years been named one of “Toronto’s 50 Most Influential People” by Toronto Life.
Kevin Gohou, aka Jr Maddripp is considered one of the mentors and innovators of the Krump movement in Europe.
Now living in Montreal, he teaches, competes in battles and has been a judge at some of the most prestigious events in France and around the world.
In 2014, he was named “Junior Maddripp” in the Tight Eyez Family, alongside the pioneer and creator of Krump dance.
He collaborates with a wide range of artists, including Maud Le Pladec for the show Silent Legacy, as well as Cirque du Soleil, Cirque Éloize and The 7 Fingers.
You could also see him in revolution season 2 zhere he was in quarter final and in France got talent 2023 with the little adeline kerry cruz where they made to semi final.
He was also a guest dancer/choreographer and collaborator at The Olympics Opening Ceremony in paris 2024.
Issa is a dynamic digital marketing expert with over a decade of experience in crafting innovative campaigns that drive brand growth and engagement. With a unique ability to blend creativity and strategy, he has spent the last four years producing compelling social media content for businesses, helping them connect with their audiences through impactful storytelling and cutting-edge technologies.
A true polymath, Issa leverages his expertise in AI tools to conceptualize ideas through storyboards, pitch decks, and concept trailers. His ability to seamlessly integrate AI into his creative process has earned him recognition as a catalyst for modern marketing solutions.
As a proud neurodivergent creator and ENFP, Issa thrives on inspiring others and breaking conventional limits in marketing and storytelling. He is passionate about using his platform to amplify underrepresented voices, particularly within African and diasporic communities.
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