Bonjour !
My name is Rehanna Ngom and I am the Founder and CEO of Studio Réveil.
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I am an extremely creative and passionate individual, backed by 10+ years of academic and international experience in Communications and Film.
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I strive to shine light on African talents and narratives while raising awareness on issues around mental health, cultural representation and women empowerment.
My story
Media has always been a significant part of my life. Growing up in Dakar, Senegal, I was an introverted but creative child, finding solace in photography and books. I was always glued to some form of social media or indulging in foreign binge-worthy shows. This early exposure to different cultures sparked in me a fascination with the world beyond my own bubble.
After high school, I was fortunate enough to travel and study communications, political science, and filmmaking in Europe and America. Stepping onto each plane marked the beginning of a continuous voyage of self-discovery. As a young black woman navigating life away from home, I experienced profound cultural shock, grappled with solitude, and battled moments of depression. The movie theater quickly became my refuge. Within the frames of each film, I was able to momentarily forget my solitude and connect with the characters on the screen. It was at the age of 17, after watching « The Imitation Game » that I decided cinema was what I wanted to do as a career.
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As a filmmaker, I focus on themes of mental health, womanhood, and cultural identity. I use surreal genres such as fantasy and horror to tackle real-life issues that resonate deeply within me and my community. Drawing inspiration from the rich tapestry of African folklore, I weave tales that reflect the enchanting magic realism inherent to our continent's culture.
In my role as CEO, I aspire to be a global ambassador for the vibrant African film industry. Our stories and talents deserve the same recognition and exposure enjoyed by other national cinematic landscapes. It is an honor for me to contribute to the promotion of my culture and its media. My mission is to foster the growth of the regional film industry, create opportunities for aspiring filmmakers, and amplify the voices of those often overlooked.
Being African in today's interconnected world means a spectrum of new experiences now exists—some joyful, some heartbreaking, all enriching. Ultimately, it is through storytelling that we forge connections with individuals we might never encounter otherwise. The profound empathy and humanity of cinema is what propels Studio Réveil forward.
To champion new African narratives, particularly through the lens of women, by creating, developing and distributing fresh content worldwide.
To offer top-notch production experiences for clients, cast, and crews interested in filming locally, while meeting international standards and expectations.
To support the local creative community by promoting events that allow free expression, facilitate networking, and encourage meaningful exchanges.