Today we’d like to introduce you to Ife Fayankin.
Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
I started telling stories at the age of seven, long before I knew what a screenplay or a film production was. I had no computer or typewriter, but just a pen, a notebook, and a burning desire to write stories.
By the time I was nine, I had written and printed my first novel with the support of my mother. At ten, I was already writing story outlines and sharing ideas with Nigerian filmmakers, most of which were rejected, and one of which I later saw adapted on screen without credit. It was painful, but it affirmed one thing: my stories were powerful.
Despite choosing to study Electrical and Electronics Engineering at Covenant University, my heart remained rooted in the creative world. After my B.Eng graduation in 2011, I worked in project management across industries, building strong organizational and leadership skills.
But in 2020, I fully pivoted into filmmaking, starting as a production manager at Something Unusual Studios. Then for FilmTrybe in the movie “Soolè, which screened in cinemas and on Netflix.
That same year, I founded Bookstars Limited. A tech enabled content studio focused on digitizing Africa’s creative economy and building production pipelines for emerging talent. Since then, I’ve produced a full TV limited series (Flipped), led commercial and branded projects, and created platforms that connect creatives with real opportunities.
Currently, I’m completing my MFA in Filmmaking at the New York Film Academy in Los Angeles. In the past two years, I’ve written and directed four short films (Diary of an African Model, Three Ten, A Dash of Love, and Derin’s Hunt), all centered on emotional truth, cultural identity, and human resilience. I’m still evolving, but my mission remains the same: to tell powerful African stories, build systems that empower other talented filmmakers, and make films that move people viscerally, globally, and eternally.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Not at all. Every milestone has come with its own set of challenges. Pivoting from engineering to filmmaking wasn’t just a career switch, but a leap into the unknown, driven only by passion.
Then Building a business in the creative industry from the ground up, where systems are largely analog and support is limited, came with its own set of battles. I faced rejection after rejection, even when I thought I was putting my best foot forward.
One of the hardest decisions was leaving my company “Bookstars Limited” behind temporarily to pursue an MFA in Filmmaking and truly dive into the craft. Balancing that with motherhood has been nothing short of a roller coaster. There have been moments of exhaustion, uncertainty, and sacrifice. But it’s a ride I wouldn’t trade for anything.
People often ask me, “How do you do it?” And honestly, I don’t have the answer. I just do it. because it’s a passion drive and I constantly remind myself why I started.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about Bookstars Limited. ?
Bookstars is a tech-driven content studio that specializes in developing, producing, and distributing bold, authentic African stories with global appeal.
What sets us apart is our vision: to build an “African Disney” which is a fully integrated hub where storytelling, training, funding, and distribution come together to empower creators and elevate African voices worldwide.
What we are most proud of is our dedication to emerging talents, Through Bookstars Film Academy. we nurture emerging talent with hands-on training and mentorship. With Bookstars Studio & Productions, we produce films, TV series, and branded content that blend emotional truth with commercial viability. And through the upcoming Bookstars House, we are creating a physical hub where local and international creatives can collaborate, shoot, and grow together
We want readers to know that Bookstars is building pipelines that digitize and professionalize Africa’s creative economy. We’re creating access for filmmakers, actors, writers, and crews, while ensuring African stories are not just made, but distributed and celebrated on the world stage. Our brand stands for storytelling, empowerment, and sustainability. A commitment to reshaping the future of African film and content.
What makes you happy?
What makes me happy is storytelling and building pathways for others to grow through it. From writing my first novel at nine to founding Bookstars today, I’ve found joy not only in creating my own films but also in watching young and upcoming talents emerge into confident professionals, sharpening their skills and taking African stories to the global stage.
I’m happiest when a story I’ve nurtured comes alive on screen and when I see others I’ve supported step into their power. whether it’s a filmmaker finding their voice, an actor landing their breakthrough, or a creative discovering opportunities they never thought possible.
This happiness comes from purpose knowing that every film, every platform, and every mentorship moment contributes to reshaping narratives about Africa, amplifying resilience and dignity, and creating a legacy where our stories and our people thrive internationally.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://Www.bookstars.co
- Instagram: @bookstars.co
- LinkedIn: https://Bookstars.co
