Tayo Odesanya is an award winning writer and director based in South London. Her work was first recognised in 2015 when the graduation film she wrote Maya amassed over 10 nominations from festivals globally.
Since then, Tayo has worked her way up in the industry from a runner on shows Netflix’s Top Boy and Apple TV’s Ted Lasso, while marking herself as an emerging director in her own right.
In 2021 she directed 2nd Unit on BBC’s PRU, and more recently she was a Contributing Director on BBC short Jobless.
Tayo has completed a slate of documentary shorts that explores the stories of youth growing up in Hackney with Immediate Theatre’s Estate Based Youth charity. This project identifies the barriers they face to achieving their aspirations. A project made possible through the Walk A Mile In My Shoes campaign created by Idris Elba with shoe designer Christian Louboutin.
She has also recently completed work on a create scheme with Mother London x Word on the Curb. Following a Directors Mentee programme she completed with Netflix and Apple TV. Most recently Tayo was named one of Film London’s Lodestars 2023 and is currently developing a new slate of narrative shorts for 2024.
Directors Statement:
I used to call myself a filmmaker but in reality, I make dreams come true. I’m a dream maker. I work with a community of the counted out, telling our stories and by doing so we are realising our dreams. Dreams of being seen, heard and understood.”