Chijindu Kelechi Eke

Chijindu Kelechi Eke is a Nigerian American film director, software engineer, and humanitarian. and the creator of African movies streaming service Rootflix. He is also the founder of African Women Arts & Film Festival (AWAFFEST), which celebrates the work of African women in film. His released films are used in globally recognized universities like Harvard, Yale, Stanford, as reference materials for African and Immigration Studies. in the Imo State of Nigeria.

Despite primarily living in the United States, Ichie Kelechi Eke was appointed as the board chairman of Para-Soccer Association of Imo State on February 20th, 2024 because of the passion he has for the development of sports and care for people with disabilities.

On September 2, 2024, Ichie Kelechi Eke called for unity in his community and offered to revive the abandoned Amafor Day celebration, which usually took place every December 27th in observance of cultural heritage. He transformed it to a carnival, characterized by vibrant displays of traditional attire, dance performances, and the inclusion of new elements such as a sports tournament and a beauty pageant, which offered opportunities for young women, including scholarships.

On October 5, 2024, Ichie Kelechi Eke presided over the inauguration of Odenigbo Cultural Club, an organization that he founded in Dallas to celebrate Igbo culture and to preserve Igbo language in the diaspora. He and members of the organization use this platform to teach their native tongue to their children born abroad and students willing to learn Igbo language.

In response to the federal government's call for Nigerians in the diaspora to return home and invest to boost the country's economy, Ichie Kelechi Eke opened a bakery in Owerri on February 1, 2025, to provide employment and to produce Ihemba Bread.

Early life Kelechi was born in Amafor, Imerienwe in Imo State, located in the southeastern region of Nigeria.

Education Kelechi Eke started his elementary studies at LA Primary School in Amafor, Imerienwe; and finished at Nekede Town School, Owerri. He gained enterance to Government Secondary School, Owerri, for his secondary studies. After his family moved to Ibadan, he transferred to Apata Community Grammar School to complete high school.

After completing secondary education in Nigeria, Kelechi gained admission to East Texas Baptist University, his father's alma mater, where he obtained a Bachelor of Science Degree in Computer and Mathematical Sciences. He later obtained a Master of Science in Information Technology and a Master of Business Administration from the University of Texas at Dallas.

Career Kelechi began his film career in 2009 as a producer and actor in Okra Principle. He started biGObi Productions in 2011 Yale University, Stanford University, University of Iowa Libraries, Northwestern University and the University of Wisconsin–Madison, and Madison General Library System. He also directed the 2013 film False Engagement and the 2014 film The Stepchild.

In 2015, he founded The African Film Festival (TAFF), and held the first edition in Dallas, Texas. TAFF is a non-profit organization dedicated to providing mentorship programs for underserved aspiring filmmakers of African descent; encouraging the art of storytelling; and teaching African culture through motion pictures, arts, and storytelling.

In 2017, he began the design and engineering of Rootflix, a streaming platform for multicultural films, and launched it in 2019. and in Google Play.

In 2019, Kelechi launched African Women Arts & Film Festival (AWAFFEST)

In 2020, Kelechi launched Village Arts & Film Festival (VILLAFFEST)

In 2025, Kelechi added another venture to his portfolio by opening a bakery in his home town, through which he employed over 25 youths to produce Ihemba Bread, to help in reducing unemployment at the grassroots level and give back to society. False Engagement Drama Writer, Actor, Director 2013 Weeping Ashes Drama Director 2014 The Other Tribes Drama Director 2015 The Black Pot TV Series Director 2015 Akwuna Short film Actor 2022 Ihemba Documentary Producer 2024 Awards

Film Awards 2012 - Best African Filmmaker Living Abroad, African Movies Academy Awards.

2015 - People's Choice Best Director, Nollywood and African Film Critics Award.

2015 - Movie Achievement Award, Los Angeles Nollywood Film Awards.

2015 - Merit Award of Awareness at the Awareness Film Festival, California.

2015 - Best Screenwriter, International Movie Awards, Indonesia.

Humanitarian and Community Awards On May 3, 2014, Kelechi received a Lifetime Achievement Award from the Nigerian-American Multicultural Council (NAMC).

On February 23, 2018, The African Community Achievement Award honored him for Outstanding Community Dedication on African Arts and Entertainment Development.

On August 19, 2023, Kelechi Eke received the United States President Lifetime Achievement Award for his social contributions and humanitarian services.

On March 30, 2024, he received Award of Honor by Imo State Women Ambassadors International for supporting women and girl-child growth, as well as empowerment of the youths in the State.