Exploring the cinematic world of Leila Djansi: A trailblazer in film

Leila Afua Djansi is a well-known Ghanaian-American filmmaker. Her work has received international acclaim.

She was born on July 17, 1981. Leila is dedicated to storytelling and social issues in her films.

Here are some quick facts about her life and career.

**Early Life and Education**

Leila's full name is Leila Afua Djansi.

She was born on July 17, 1981, in Bangalore, India.

Her father was a pilot, and her mother was a senior nursing officer.

Leila grew up in both India and Ghana.

For education, she attended Kabore Primary School and Mawuli School in Ghana. She began studying film at the National Film and Television School in Ghana. Later, she continued at the Savannah College of Art and Design in the U.S. on an artistic honors scholarship.

**Career Beginnings and Achievements**

Leila started her career at age 19 with the Ghana Film Company.

Her first script, “Babina,” became a movie produced by Akwetey Kanyi.

Her directorial debut was “I Sing of a Well” (2009). This film received 11 nominations at the Africa Movie Academy Awards. It won the Special Jury Award for Overall Best Film.

Leila is known for advocacy films like “Sinking Sands” (2010). This film supports the Say No to Violence Against Women Campaign for UNiFEM Ghana.

Her film “Ties That Bind” (2011) won Best Diaspora Film at the San Diego Black Film Festival. It was also selected for AFI’s New African Films Festival in 2012.

Recent works include “Like Cotton Twines” (2016), which addresses modern-day slavery in Ghana. She also created the TV series “40 and Single” (2018), which won the Audience Award at the Los Angeles Film Festival.

**Personal Life and Legacy**

Leila established Turning Point Pictures, an independent production company focused on social issues.

She has received many awards for her work, including the BAFTA/LA Choice Award at the Pan African Film Festival. Her film “Grass Between My Lips” won the WorldFest Platinum Award.

Leila Djansi’s journey from young scriptwriter to acclaimed filmmaker is truly inspiring.