Meet The Team
JOHNNY MUTEBA: CHAIRMAN AND FOUNDER
Johnny Muteba founded the American Arts Academy as a response to the lack of cultural diversity and multicultural representation in the South African arts and culture sector
He has over 20 years of work experience in media, entertainment, entrepreneurship, trade, social impact and human rights. He is a global thought leader with a proven track record to lead multicultural teams and deliver outstanding results and has an in-depth understanding of business networking, negotiations, relationships and project management. Johnny’s work is inspired by his responsibility to Africa.
He has a very special ability in connecting entrepreneurial vision, creative passion and innovative problem solving. He is the CEO of Build Africa Group,an Infrastructure development company working at the intersection of decent,innovative,affordable and quality housing with a mission to inspire people to build a better Africa
His enthusiasm and experience provide for compelling insights, interesting ideas and refreshing approaches which are so desperately needed today. Johnny offers a broad range of professional services to artists, corporations, universities and Governments. Across all that he does, he taps into the power of creativity to innovate lives, bottom lines, organizations and the communities which sustain us. His life mission is to disrupt injustice,challenge inequality and inspire an ambitious vision of what Africa can be
He is a member of the Small Business Institute (South Africa) that he represents at NEDLAC ( National Economic Development and Labour Council) and served in 2019 as member of the World Trade Organization/International Chamber of Commerce committee on medium and small enterprises He is also the President of Blacks in Technology South Africa, Country lead for the Atlanta Black Chambers of Commerce,founder of the Pan African Music Awards and the Hollywood African Film Festival
In particular his work incorporates the techniques of merging narrative film, documentary, and emerging media products into the pedagogical framework of the creative industry value chain
Michelle di Bernardo : Chief Creative Officer
Michelle DiBernardo is a distinguished filmmaker and festival director with an impressive 30-year career in the entertainment industry. Her journey began on stage and screen as an actress, where she developed a profound appreciation for storytelling and the nuances of character portrayal. This early experience laid the foundation for her deep understanding of the film medium and the collaborative nature of the arts. Expanding her skill set, Michelle became a certified makeup artist, blending creativity with technical expertise. Her work in makeup not only enhanced her artistic vision but also provided her with a unique perspective on the visual aspects of filmmaking, allowing her to contribute to the overall aesthetic of numerous projects. Transitioning into production, Michelle made her mark as a Unit Production Manager (UPM) and line producer. In these roles, she demonstrated exceptional organizational and managerial skills, adeptly handling the complexities of film production. From budgeting to scheduling, Michelle’s meticulous attention to detail and ability to navigate challenges made her an invaluable asset to any production team. She has collaborated on a wide range of projects, from independent films to larger productions, earning a reputation for her professionalism and dedication. In addition to her production work, Michelle has embraced the role of festival director, successfully running two prominent film festivals. Her passion for cinema and commitment to showcasing diverse voices has made these festivals essential platforms for emerging filmmakers. Under her leadership, the festivals have flourished, attracting talent from around the globe and fostering a vibrant community of artists and audiences.
Michelle believes in the power of film to spark dialogue and inspire change, and she actively curates programs that reflect these values. Alongside her practical experience, Michelle has dedicated a significant portion of her career to education and mentorship. For ten years, she served as the Director of Education at Barbizon USA, where she instructed aspiring actors and filmmakers, imparting her industry knowledge and fostering their growth. Additionally, she held the position of Lead Theatre Advisor at Syracuse University, guiding students in their artistic journeys and helping them navigate the complexities of performance and production. Throughout her career, Michelle has been an advocate for creativity, collaboration, and inclusivity within the film industry. Her multifaceted background not only enriches her own projects but also empowers those around her to pursue their artistic visions. As she continues to innovate and inspire, Michelle DiBernardo remains a pivotal figure in the world of film, dedicated to nurturing the next generation of storytellers and celebrating the transformative power of cinema
Darryl D Johnson: Head of Career Development and Industry Outreach
Born in Newark, New Jersey in 1966 producer & director Darryl D Johnson has worked in entertainment for over 30 years. Over the past decade Darryl has produced over 70 tv commercials as well as working as bridge/consultant on such films as Sniper 6 Ghost Shooter (Line producer & credited weapons supervisor) & Skyfall (non credited) both shot in part in Istanbul Turkey.
Darryl is the Lead Int’l Producer & international business development director at Moskitosfilms and founder of BAWS Entertainment for several upcoming titles, including The Bentleys & The Book Of Isıs, Books of Alexandria, Sherlock Chronicles Curse of the 5 pashas, Ara, Nicholas Forever, The Boy Captain, The Hard R (short film). Darryl has written produced and directed 10 music videos and will be making his feature film directorial debut with the films titled THAT ISTANBUL ISSSHHHH, BEARS THE AWAKENING and many morecurrently in development. Darryl also does international entertainment consultancy executive, artist, actor, athlete and model management. Darryl was vital to the partnership between WOM (world of movies film studio Istanbul & MoskitosFilms. He has a vast international network in the film and entertainment industries.
TANDY WEEMS: HEAD OF MUSIC
Hip Hop Music Industry Executive and Creator of the 2024 World Hip Hop Awards
Tandy Weems is a highly experienced and respected professional and thought leader with over 25 years in the Hip Hop entertainment business. She has provided her expertise to many renowned Hip Hop artists and executives under various titles,such as Chief Operating Officer, Chief Business Development Officer, Senior Associate Producer, PR Executive, Artists Management, and LIVE Streaming Event Producer for companies like CZAR Entertainment, 720 Sounds, Lifetime Television,XUMANII, By Storm Entertainment, Make It Happen PR, and Double XXposure PR .A true Brooklyn NY Hip Hop OG, Tandy’s extensive resume mirrors the history of Hip Hop. Tandy has collaborated and worked alongside many iconic figures in the industry, including Mike Tyson, Notorious BIG, Faith Evans, Main Source, Wu-Tang,Mary J Blige, Dru-Hill, Soul 4 Real, Method Man, and Redman to name a few.
Tandy’s pioneering achievements include being the first to book Hip Hop artists to appear on daytime TV talk shows and the first to introduce and produce LIVE streaming hip-hop concerts and events. Her discipline, business acumen, and proficiency in composing and understanding legal documents positioned her as a right-hand ‘woman’ to renowned industry CEOs and leaders, including the current President of RCA Records, Mark Pitts, Angelo Ellerbee, and James Rosemond.
KENISHIA GREEN: ACTING DIRECTOR
Kenishia Green, born on August 19th, in Ocho Rios, Jamaica, later moved to the United States at the age of 10. While attending High School in Reading, Pennsylvania, she developed a love for performing. She later went on to study Acting and Directing at DeSales University, where she graduated and eventually went on to pursue her craft in New York City.
Since relocating to the big city, Kenishia has been the host of the highly popular New York music television show, Video City TV for the past three years. She has had key acting roles in Shilo Media’s South Brooklyn(Bounce TV), Money and Violence (Tidal), Brain Games (Discovery Channel), Deadly Devotion (Discovery Channel), and Unfaithful (Own Network).
Kenishia’s current project includes “Mirror Game,” streaming on Netflix, true crime drama feature, “Wisper,” she portrays Belinda Ali in the Chuck Wepner Biopic, “Brawlers”, playing in selected theaters, and playing Gabrielle on the popular digital Series, Situationships, streaming on BET.COM. Kenishia is a TV/Film and stage actress
TERRA RENEE: HEAD OF PRODUCTION
For the past 25 years, Founder and President of African American Women In Cinema Organization, Inc. (AAWIC), Terra Renee has utilized her strong background in filmmaking to serve as a continuous support for the vibrant work of women and is a strong voice for the community.
Before she founded AAWIC, Terra studied filmmaking and film directing at the School of Visual Arts. Upon completion of her studies, Ms. Renee associate produced several independent films including, Island Alicia, a feature which was the official selection of the Cannes Film Festival UN Certain Regard category.
Besides Terra’s film production success, she interned at Universal Pictures and served as a judge for some of Hollywood’s most prestigious awards such as the Emmy Awards, Student Academy Awards Oscars, New York Film Festival and NATPE. In addition, she has successfully Produced the Women of Excellence Salute Awards Hosted by Morgan Stanley and have created a platform for women of color filmmakers during the Sundance Film Festival with a partnership with the Utah Film Studios. In addition, she Co-Organize and Hosted the “Women In Power making a Global Difference” conference at the United Nations, sponsored by African Women for Good Governance. She was also a contributing author in the book entitled, “Michelle Obama’s Impact on African American Women and Girls,” in addition, she has recently authored a mini-Inspirational e-book, entitled, “Season of the Full Circle.” Ms. Renee was featured in Essence Magazine representing the Wal-Mart Voices of Color Film Series as well as the covers of both Change and Impact Atlanta International magazines. In addition, she was the recipient of 2011 NAACP Woman of the Year Award, as well as the 2012 Bill McCreary Living Legend Award, the 2013 Keeping the Dream Award presented by the prestigious youth organization, Jump Start, the 2014 Bridge Builder Award from the United African Coalition, 2017 “Woman on a Mission” Award, The Total Faith Network 2017 Dorothy Dandridge Image Award, the 2017 Promo Consulting Group in Partnership with the Nelson Mandela Award in Paris, 2020 Ambassadorship from The Jefferson Foundation, the 2021 Cauris d Or Ambassadorship Award, Senegal Africa and the 2022 Western Governors University “Innovative and Strategic Thinking Excellence Award.” She recently received the Co-Foundership Award for Daylight Africa an international program.”
In addition to her work in the entertainment industry Ms. Renee is a strong voice in the community who led through her organization, a multi-city anti-gun violence program that featured film screenings on the topic and brought together communities as well as its leaders to deal with the issue for a solution. She provides a platform for women of color filmmakers to showcase aligning experienced and novice filmmakers, directors, producers, and screenwriters through the organization she founded, African American Women In Cinema. Through the African American Women In Cinema platform, the organization hosts a film festival that features these works and highlight the next generation of filmmakers. Ms. Renee took the lead to provide a voice in her community through the New York City Speaks in providing the incoming Mayoral administration feedback from the community on a range of social issues. She also hosted a community event in association with the New York Public Library on who gangs target.
Ms. Renee was a Fellow recipient of the United Way and Baruch College Leadership of the Non- profit Sector program. She studied Contract Law and Women Making History at Harvard University Online Certificate program. She sits on the Executive Board of UNESCO NYS and the African Women for Good Governance, a member of #WinWithBlackWomen, formerly on the African American Committee of American Diabetes Association and a United Nations Delegate with NGO New Future Foundation for CSW 63. Invited member of the National Society of Leadership and Success and a NYC Speaks Arts & Culture Policy Member. In addition, she was made a Princess by the King of Benin, Africa. Currently, she Executive Produced a documentary on American Gospel Icon, Marion Williams and “What’s In a Name:The Alfredo Versace Story” now available on Amazon Prime, amongst additional Film and TV projects. She recently made History as the First African American Woman Film Producer/Filmmaker to host a panel on Capitol Hill. She is also a Delegate of the United Nations NGO, New Future Foundation and a member of the World Conference of Mayors.
MONICA BUTLER: HEAD OF STRATEGIC PARTNERSHIPS
Monica R. Butler, the owner of The Butler Group, has been a part of television, theatre, and film production for over 25 years. With passion and compassion, she has produced for Black Entertainment Television working with Bobby Jones Gospel and Tyler Perry’s stage play production, and served as Producer at The Word Television Network. Ms. Butler has worked on many notable films, such as Jurassic World, John Wick, and The Butler, and has produced projects through her company, The Butler Group, and is preparing the next generation of young creatives with her digital media summer program, Film Camp USA.
In addition, she’s the recipient of the 95.5 The Lou Phenomenal Woman Award and the KTVI 2023 Remarkable Women; and is a member of the Gospel Music Workshop of America and a Producer of the International Gospel Music Summit. She serves on the Missouri Motion Media Association Board of Directors and St. Louis Filmworks. She is a proud member of the Recording Academy and the IATSE 493 Studio Mechanics.
Butler is passionate about building infrastructure for the annual summer youth program, Film Camp USA, which teaches children from 8-18 years old how to make movies while becoming a master of their own stories. The most common challenge she faces with this community program is locking in funding to cover the cost for all campers to engage in this program for free.
Lastly, with Butler’s longstanding passion for gospel music, she has taken on a creatively honorable endeavor by being one of the visionary founders of the soon-to-be Gospel Music Hall of Fame – Missouri. Her company, The Butler Group, partnered with notable developer Steve Smith, CEO of The Lawrence Group and New + Found to redevelop the former Second Baptist Church on Kingshighway into a 40,000+ square foot museum, education, cultural, and performing arts center in the heart of the Central West End Holy Corners historic district. The ongoing goal is to raise awareness of gospel music’s influence and impact on American culture and to improve mental health. The project is seeking funding from supportive gospel music enthusiasts from all over the country to gift into the development of this monumental movement.
SHANNA LIM: HEAD OF DANCE
Shanna Lim is a Washington DC-based multiracial interdisciplinary performance and visual artist, and director known for her development of works focused on human connection and that challenges limiting realities. Her work has been seen in festivals and centers around the world, including the Smithsonian, the Swedish Embassy, the Kennedy Center, and in Costa Rica, Sri Lanka, and the Constitution Hill Women’s Prison in South Africa.
Shanna has a passion for street art and channels a melancholy clown. She uses theatre, architecture, storytelling, installations, collaborations. and body art, often wearing upcycled sustainable art dresses while walking down busy streets in midst of traffic. Presently her work is focused in film arts, addressing issues of trafficking, missing indigenous women, the immigration crisis, and the injustice system. Shanna is an integrative arts educator for Words Beat & Life, Founder of Groove Junkies dance, and a Schar Center resident healing movement artist at INOVA Hospitals.
NADINE BENECH-NEL – U.S-Africa Lead
Born and raised in South Africa, I graduated from Technikon Natal with a degree in Video Technology. I quickly advanced in the industry and came over to the United States in 2000. I am qualified in many aspects within this field. From directing and producing, filming and editing, to graphic design and web development, I have dedicated and committed myself to each project to deliver above and beyond my clients’ expectations.
I plan and coordinate all aspects of production, from creative all the way through to post. I know and work with the best crew and talent and will always ensure that every project is delivered on time and within budget.
Over the past 4 years, I have personally produced 1000+ productions and I look forward to helping you with yours!
Laszlo Thomas Nador – Head of Film Training
Lazlo is a solutions-driven, award-winning motion picture professional with key filmmaking capabilities.His experience spans operations and technology, driving business growth for his commercial production boutique studio. As technology advanced, he developed workflows and expanded services to offer comprehensive solutions in advertising, digital marketing, television, VOD (video on demand), and film productions.
Captivated by the magic of storytelling from an early age, Lazlo transformed his passion into a high-level business model, #LaszloRain, an award-winning production boutique recognized for its elaborate productions and technical achievements.One of his greatest professional achievements has been serving as Director of Photography/Cinematographer on motion pictures, television commercials, and high-quality social media productions.
He began his career as an editor, working with script notes and cutting 3/4 inch analog video tape for local production companies. Over the years, he mastered advanced post-production editing systems and facility operations. A partnership with Red Car editorial helped establish Laszlo Rain Texas as a leading post-production hub for commercial editorial and finishing.
Commercial advertising provided opportunities for him to sharpen his artistic sensibilities, leading him to direct work for national brands. His enduring love for celluloid film production led him to invest in S16mm and S35mm film, gaining valuable experience at the highest level. As a combo Director/Cameraman, he found his calling in having full control over the storytelling process.Delivering national advertising campaigns for over a decade, he built the skills to pivot into narrative film production, where he now serves the indie film industry.
Known as a strategic motivator for cross-functional teams and professional crews, Lazlo brings experience and a proven track record to every project.
Deon van Rooyen: Head of Screenwriting
Nova Lorraine: Head Of Fashion
Mmakgosi Anita Tau: Artistic Director
Mmakgosi Anita Tau is an award-winning filmmaker-writer from Botswana based in Syracuse, New York. She holds a Master of Fine Arts in Film from Syracuse University and works in both fiction film and documentary. Tau has made films in Botswana, Ethiopia, the United States, and Zambia. She is a Headlands Center for the Arts Artist in Residence 2023 and a recipient of The 2021 Donald and Genie Rice Residency Award for film- Yaddo, USA. Tau is a recipient of the Bryan Buckley Award and two Creative Opportunity Grants for her short films. She is a 2022 Mandela Washington Fellow, a flagship program of the Young African Leaders Initiative, Drexel University, USA. Her films have screened in Botswana, Zambia, Ghana, Turkey, South Africa, United Kingdom, Canada, Cameroon, Bulgaria and many states across the United States.
Through her films she preserves undocumented historical narratives and helps African and Afro diasporic people envision a hopeful rather than a fearful future.