Tayo Odesanya stands as a distinguished writer and director, rooted in the vibrant cultural landscape of South London. Her journey into the realm of filmmaking commenced with resounding acclaim in 2015, when her debut work, the graduation film Maya, garnered over 10 nominations and 3 awards from esteemed festivals across the globe, signalling the emergence of her talent.
Since her auspicious debut, Tayo has navigated the industry with tenacity and vision, ascending from humble beginnings as a runner on acclaimed shows such as Netflix’s Top Boy and Apple TV’s Ted Lasso.
With a keen focus on illuminating the experiences of youth, Tayo has cultivated a body of work that speaks to the heart of their narratives. Notably, her scripted web series for Million Youth Media has captivated audiences worldwide, accumulating an impressive 300,000 views on YouTube.
Further solidifying her commitment to amplifying underrepresented voices, Tayo embarked on a compelling journey with Immediate Theatre’s Estate Based Youth charity, crafting poignant documentary shorts that shed light on the challenges faced by youth growing up in Hackney. This project, made possible through the esteemed Walk A Mile In My Shoes campaign championed by luminaries such as Idris Elba and Christian Louboutin, underscores Tayo’s dedication to social advocacy through storytelling.
Continuing to push the boundaries of her craft, Tayo recently helmed a web series for Fully Focused Production, showcasing her versatility and ingenuity as a storyteller. As she prepares to embark on a new venture with a forthcoming BBC series, Tayo Odesanya remains steadfast in her commitment to crafting narratives that resonate deeply with global majority audiences.