The Inheritance will have its Atlanta premiere at Out on Film in Atlanta, GA on October 2 at 10pm.

The Inheritance had its East Coast premiere at Lost Weekend Film Club in Winchester, VA on September 26, screening as part of the Late Night Shorts block at 10:20pm. The film was nominated for the Lost Weekend Award for Best Horror Short.

Are You Fucking Kidding Me?! will screen at the Grove & Pines Film Festival in Long Island, NY on September 18, 2026.

The Inheritance will have its New York premiere at Future of Film is Female, screening at Nitehawk Cinema on September 16.

EmmoLei joins a panel on the craft careers that shape filmmaking but rarely get the spotlight — cinematography, production design, music, sound, first AD work, and training programs — at the Tara Theatre. Moderated by Ronda Penrice, with panelists Kyerra Weldon, Jamie Williams, Charles Robinson, and Bernadette Thompson.

ENONGO released on demand on August 11, 2026.

Available on Prime Video and YouTube.

ENONGO screened in Columbus, OH at the Indie Gathering Film Fest on August 9, 2026.

Loop screened during the AFI Visual Essay Screening on August 8, 2026 in Los Angeles, CA.

Mantras At Midnight premiered in Accra, Ghana at the Accra Indie Film Fest on July 29, 2026.

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Mantras At Midnight screened at the San Francisco Black Film Festival on June 20, 2026.

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The Late Night Creep, scored by Yours Truly, screened at the Southern Fried Film Festival in Huntsville, AL on June 6, 2026.

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EmmoLei composed the music for Season 5 of REVOLT’s Visions to Ventures, a business competition series spotlighting emerging entrepreneurs. The season went on to earn three Telly Awards, marking a win for the team and a project EmmoLei was proud to help bring to life through music.

UNDERCARD, starring Wanda Sykes, released on demand nationwide on May 18, 2026.

Available on Prime Video, Apple, and YouTube.

EmmoLei Sankofa joined Black Girls Film Camp for the Post Production Expert Panel, hosted by Post In Black. Alongside editors D. Nowell and Gladys Gedeh, EmmoLei shared insights from her journey as a composer and the possibilities available to emerging storytellers across post production. The panel offered the cohort an inside look at the industry while highlighting the power and space for Black women and girls to build careers in post. Learn more about Black Girls Film Camp here.

EmmoLei Sankofa joined SPILL from its early days and served on the jury for the inaugural SPILL Short Film Festival. The festival brought together 96 films across 32 cities and five countries, creating a new space for filmmakers and audiences on its own terms. EmmoLei served on the other side of the table, helping recognize the work shaping SPILL’s inaugural festival.

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EmmoLei Sankofa joined the Atlanta Film Festival’s Creative Conference for the From Song to Score: Crafting the Sound of a Story panel, sponsored by BMI and presented by CineFi. The conversation explored how music functions in film and television, from score and songs to the ways they work together to shape character and emotion. EmmoLei joined Tracy Mcknight, Catherine Brewton, Kurt Farquhar, Joel C. High, and Serayah to examine the creative process from multiple perspectives.

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Mantras At Midnight premiered worldwide on YouTube on May 1, 2026.

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ENONGO premiered in Taos, New Mexico at the Taos Film Festival on April 24 & 25, 2026.

Are You Fucking Kidding Me?! screened at the Miami Film Festival in Miami, FL on April 14, 2026. It won the Miami Int'l Short award.

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Are You Fucking Kidding Me?! screened at the Florida Film Festival in Maitland, FL on April 12 and 17, 2026.

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ENONGO premiered in Las Cruces, New Mexico at the Las Cruces International Film Festival on April 11, 2026.

Are You Fucking Kidding Me?! screened at the Maryland Film Festival in Baltimore, MD on April 8 and 10, 2026.

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ENONGO premiered in Wisconsin at the Beloit International Film Festival on March 29, 2026.

House of Aama: Threads of Legacy screened in Brixton, London during the Rapport Film Festival on March 28, 2026.

Mantras At Midnight screened at The Great Film Club in New York, NY on March 22, 2026.

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Are You Fucking Kidding Me?! screened at the Boston Underground Film Film Festival during the "I Hate It Here" shorts block in Boston, MA on March 21, 2026.

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House of Aama: Threads of Legacy screened at the Los Angeles Contemporary Museum of Art on March 21, 2026.

ENONGO premiered in Texas at the Denton Black Film Festival on Jan. 30, 2026.

The Inheritance screened during the AFIDWW+ Showcase at the Directors Guild of America on March 4, 2026.

UNDERCARD, starring Wanda Sykes, released in theaters nationwide on February 27, 2026.

EmmoLei Sankofa and family with director of Undercard, Tamika Miller.

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Mantras At Midnight took home five Independent Shorts Awards in February 2026.

Platinum Award – Best Fantasy Short

Gold Award – Best Male Director

Silver Award – Best Ensemble Cast

Bronze Award – Best Cinematography

Honorable – Best Original Story

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UNDERCARD, starring Wanda Sykes, screened at Los Angeles on February 26, 2026. This event was hosted by lead actor, Bentley Green and Creator Crossover.

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UNDERCARD, starring Wanda Sykes, screened at Morehouse College on February 23, 2026.

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UNDERCARD, starring Wanda Sykes, screened at Hampton University on February 22, 2026.

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ENONGO screened in New York at the Winter Film Festival on Febraury 21,, 2026.

Are You Fucking Kidding Me?! screened at the Mardi Gras Film Festival in Sydney, Australia on February 19, 2026.

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The Inheritance screened to a private audience at the American Film Institute on February 7, 2026.

ENONGO premiered in Texas at the Denton Black Film Festival on Jan. 30, 2026.

The Late Night Creep, scored by Yours Truly, screened at the American Black Film Festival Pop Up in Dallas, TX on November 16, 2025.

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Mantras At Midnight premiered at the Now Instant Image Hall on November 15, 2025 in Los Angeles, CA.

ENONGO screened at the St. Louis International Film Festival in St. Louis Missiour on Nov. 15, 2025.

UNDERCARD, starring Wanda Sykes, screened at St. Louis International Film Festival in St. Louis, MO on November 10, 2025.

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Are You Fucking Kidding Me?! screened at the Proof Film Festival in Los Angeles, CA on November 9, 2025.

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Are You Fucking Kidding Me?! screened at Outfest NEXT in Glendale, CA on November 8, 2025.

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The House of Aama: Threads of Legacy, scored by EmmoLei Sankofa, screened at the Black Harvest Film Festival on November 7, 2025 in Chicago, IL.

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Are You Fucking Kidding Me?! screened at the Aesthetica Film Festival in England (UK) on November 6, 2025.

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ENONGO screened at the Queens World Film Festival in Astoria, NY on Nov. 6, 2025

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EmmoLei was invited back to her alma mater, SCAD, to speak on the Alumni Voices Panel during the 2025 film fest.

The panel took place on Oct. 30, 2025 at the SAvannah College of Art & Design in Savannah, GA.

Mantras At Midnight premiered at the historic Grand Lake Theater on October 29, 2025 in Oakland, CA.

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Are You Fucking Kidding Me?! screened at Film Quest Film Festival in Provo, UT on October 27, 2025.

ENONGO screened in Mineappolis, MN at the Twin Cities Film Festival on Oct. 25th, 2025.

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Are You Fucking Kidding Me?! screened at the Brooklyn Horror Film Festival in Brooklyn, New York on October 25, 2025.

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UNDERCARD, starring Wanda Sykes, premiered at Newport Beach Film Festival in Newport Beach, CA on October 20, 2025.

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Are You Fucking Kidding Me?! screened at the Temecula Valley Film Festival in Temecula Valley, CA on October 18, 2025.

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ENONGO screened in Philadelphia, PA at the Philadeplphia Film Festival on Oct. 17, 2025. It screened a second time on Oct. 25th.

Are You Fucking Kidding Me?! screened at NewFest 37, New York's LGBTQ+ Film Festival, on October 12, 2025 during the In Your Face Shorts Block.

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House of Aama: Threads of Legacy screened at the Silicon Valley African Film Festival on October 12, 2025.

EmmoLei was chosen to be part of the 2025 Composer Filmmaker Accelerator during the Vancouver International Film Festival along with 11 other incredible composers and 4 filmmaker from 4 continents. We spent five weeks in collaboration with filmmakers molding our score to be recorded by the Vancouver Symphony Orchestra at The Warehouse Studio.

Are You Fucking Kidding Me?! screened at the Tacoma Film Festival in Tacoma, WA on October 10, 2025. It won an award for Best Late Night Short.

Are You Fucking Kidding Me?! screened at the Vortex Film Festival in Providence, Rhode Island on October 4, 2025 during the Upside Down & Inside Out - Genre Bending Shorts Block.

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Are You Fucking Kidding Me?! screened at OUT on FILM, Atlanta's LGBTQ+ Film Festival in Atlanta, GA on October 2, 2025.

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EmmoLei was invited to speak alongside Michael Abels, Chris Young, Esin Aydingoz, Lauren Conklin, Fletcher Beasley, Devin Powers, and more during the Career Symposium hosted by the Society of Composer's & Lyricists in Nashville, TN.

ENONGO screened in Cleveland, Ohio at the Greater Cleveland Urban Film Festival on September 19, 2025.

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ENONGO screened in Harlem, New York at the Harlem International Film Festival on September 18, 2025.

Are You Fucking Kidding Me?! screens at the Sidewalk Film Festival in Birmingham, Alabama on August 24 during the Nothing is Sacred shorts block at 6:30p CDT. This is the films Southeastern premiere.

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Enongo: The Sammus Documentary screened at the Sidewalk Film Festival in Birmingham, Alabama on August 23, 2025.

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Enongo: The Sammus Documentary premiered in Harlem New York at the Hip Hop Film Festival on August 23, 2025.

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Are You Fucking Kidding Me?! screened at the New Filmmakers LA monthly Film Festival in Los Angeles on August 23, 2025.

Are You Fucking Kidding Me?! screened at the Holly Shorts Film Festival in Los Angeles on August 9, 2025.

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The Late Night Creep, scored by Yours Truly, premiered in Los Angeles on July 29th! The film stars Jake Choi, Tosin Morohunfola, Karen Obilom, Siddiq Sanderson, Ali Gallo, Lori Laing, Jason Mitchell, Leslie Jones, Laci Mosley, and more! Grab a sneak peek. Watch the trailer.

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EmmoLei served as a featured speaker during Kappa Kappa Psi and Tau Beta Sigma's 2025 National Convention.

The House of Aama: Threads of Legacy, scored by EmmoLei Sankofa, premiered on PBS.

Director: Jamal Ademola

Featuring: House of Aama, Akua Shabaka, Rebecca L. Henry

Executive Producers: Stanley Nelson, Marcia Smith, Monika Navarro, Michael Kantor, Joseph Skinner, PJ Koll, Tim Pries, EmmoLei Sankofa

Producer: Kris Simms, Jamal Ademola

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About the film

House of Aama: Threads of Legacy is part of season 3 of "In the Making," a PBS documentary shorts series from American Masters and Firelight Media that follows emerging cultural icons on their journeys to becoming masters of their artistic disciplines. We get a glimpse into the House of Aama’s fashion approach, rooted in personal archives, Black folklore, and storytelling, which influences American culture today.

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About the score

This film's score is minimalist in nature, but captures the essence of ancestral ties, mysticism, and Black American roots.

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Are You Fucking Kidding Me?! scored by Yours Truly, screened at the Palm Springs Film Festival in Palms Springs, CA on June 28, 2025.

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Are You Fucking Kidding Me?! scored by Yours Truly, screened at the Oak Cliff Film Festival in Dallas, Texas on June 27, 2025.

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The Late Night Creep, scored by Yours Truly, will have its WORLD PREMIERE at the American Black Film Festival in Miami on June13th! The film stars Jake Choi, Tosin Morohunfola, Karen Obilom, Siddiq Sanderson, Ali Gallo, Lori Laing, Jason Mitchell, Leslie Jones, Laci Mosley, and more! Grab a sneak peek. Watch the trailer.

Are You Fucking Kidding Me?! scored by Yours Truly, screened at the Provincetown Film Festival in Massachusetts in their Queer Shorts 2: Alone Together block on June 13 and 14!

Screening Info

June 13, 4:30p @ The Art House

June 14, 10:30a @ Fishermen Hall

Are You Fucking Kidding Me?! scored by Yours Truly, is having its Austrian premiere at the Vienna Shorts Film Festival in their late night horror program, “Nightmares.” The film will screen at the historic METRO Kinokulturhaus theater on May 29th!

The House of Aama: Threads of Legacy, scored by EmmoLei Sankofa, will screen at the New York African Film Festival on May 16, 2025 during The Ancestors Smile shorts program at Maysles Cinema.

Director: Jamal Ademola

Featuring: House of Aama, Akua Shabaka, Rebecca L. Henry

Executive Producers: Stanley Nelson, Marcia Smith, Monika Navarro, Michael Kantor, Joseph Skinner, PJ Koll, Tim Pries, EmmoLei Sankofa

Producer: Kris Simms, Jamal Ademola

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About the film

House of Aama: Threads of Legacy is part of season 3 of "In the Making," a PBS documentary shorts series from American Masters and Firelight Media that follows emerging cultural icons on their journeys to becoming masters of their artistic disciplines. We get a glimpse into the House of Aama’s fashion approach, rooted in personal archives, Black folklore, and storytelling, which influences American culture today.

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About the score

This film's score is minimalist in nature, but captures the essence of ancestral ties, mysticism, and Black American roots.

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The House of Aama: Threads of Legacy, scored by EmmoLei Sankofa, screened at the Seattle BlackFilm Festival on April 26, 2025 during WE MAKE A/WAY AND BACK AGAIN block at the LANGSTON Performing Arts Center.

Director: Jamal Ademola

Featuring: House of Aama, Akua Shabaka, Rebecca L. Henry

Executive Producers: Stanley Nelson, Marcia Smith, Monika Navarro, Michael Kantor, Joseph Skinner, PJ Koll, Tim Pries, EmmoLei Sankofa

Producer: Kris Simms, Jamal Ademola

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About the film

House of Aama: Threads of Legacy is part of season 3 of "In the Making," a PBS documentary shorts series from American Masters and Firelight Media that follows emerging cultural icons on their journeys to becoming masters of their artistic disciplines. We get a glimpse into the House of Aama’s fashion approach, rooted in personal archives, Black folklore, and storytelling, which influences American culture today.

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About the score

This film's score is minimalist in nature, but captures the essence of ancestral ties, mysticism, and Black American roots.

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Are You Fucking Kidding Me!? had its world premiere to a sold out crowd in London at the British Film Institute's Flare Film Fest on March 22, 2025. The film also screened on March 29, 2025.

The world premiere of House of Aama: Threads of Legacy, scored by EmmoLei Sankofa, will screen at DOC NYC 2024 in New York this November! To view the film online or attend the screening in person, click here.

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Director: Jamal Ademola

Featuring: House of Aama, Akua Shabaka, Rebecca L. Henry

Executive Producers: Stanley Nelson, Marcia Smith, Monika Navarro, Michael Kantor, Joseph Skinner, PJ Koll, Tim Pries, EmmoLei Sankofa

Producer: Kris Simms, Jamal Ademola

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About the film

House of Aama: Threads of Legacy is part of season 3 of "In the Making," a PBS documentary shorts series from American Masters and Firelight Media that follows emerging cultural icons on their journeys to becoming masters of their artistic disciplines. We get a glimpse into the House of Aama’s fashion approach, rooted in personal archives, Black folklore, and storytelling, which influences American culture today.

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About the score

This film's score is minimalist in nature, but captures the essence of ancestral ties, mysticism, and Black American roots.

May 28th becomes EmmoLei Sankofa Appreciation Day in the City of South Fulton. South Fulton is a unique community nestled in Southwest Atlanta and EmmoLei now joins the ranks of notable people like Kasim Reed, Cam Newton, Raven Johnson, Chris Eubanks and more who have emerged from this community and more specifically, Westlake High School.

EmmoLei is featured and interviewed for Hampton University's alumni magazine, The Hamptonian. Read here.

EmmoLei was nominated in the inaugural NAACP Image Award category, "Outstanding Score for TV/Film" for her score from "The Other Black Girl."

I had the pleasure of sharing my journey as a composer for film and television on WABE's podcast "The Boom." Moving to Los Angeles was challenging, but it led to significant opportunities and connections. Returning to Atlanta, I was honored with an NAACP Image Award nomination for my work on "The Other Black Girl." Other notable projects include “Three Ways,” “Lizzo’s Watch Out for the Big Grrrls,” and “Step Up.”

For more details, check out the full podcast.

I'm delighted to share my feature in the "Could Be Pretty Cool" podcast's episode on creative industry researchers. This episode dives into the behind-the-scenes aspects of how research informs and shapes creative projects. It was an enriching experience to discuss the intersection of creativity, research, and the arts, and to highlight the importance of thorough research in producing meaningful and impactful work.

For more details, check out the full episode.

I had the incredible opportunity to compose the unique and eerie score for Hulu's "The Other Black Girl." Using a blend of vocal motifs, percussion, and synth sounds, I collaborated with the choir Tonality and incorporated my own vocals. This project was a delicate balance of experimentation and aligning with the show's vision, blending seamlessly with needle drops from artists like Busta Rhymes and Sudan Archives.

For more details, visit the full article.

PostPerspective recently featured my work, offering an in-depth look at my creative process as a composer. The article discusses how I blend traditional and modern techniques to craft unique soundscapes for film and television. It highlights my recent projects, including my collaboration on Hulu's "The Other Black Girl," and emphasizes my commitment to innovation and authenticity in my music.

For more details, visit the full article on PostPerspective.

In an interview with Staff Me Up, I discuss my journey from studying at Savannah College of Art and Design to composing for major TV series and documentaries. My career path includes working on projects like "Lizzo’s Watch Out For the Big Grrrls" and "Step Up." I share insights into my creative process, the challenges of scoring for television, and advice for aspiring composers.

For more details, visit the full article.

I'm thrilled to announce a groundbreaking collaboration with Hulu's series "The Other Black Girl." Partnering with the acclaimed Los Angeles choir Tonality, our collective efforts have brought a unique soundscape to this powerful adaptation of Zakiya Dalila Harris’ novel. This collaboration, recorded at Hollywood’s Sunset Sound studio, highlights the diverse narratives and the rich vocal contributions of Tonality, led by Artistic Director Alexander Lloyd Blake. It's an honor to contribute to a project that resonates with such profound themes and storytelling. Stay tuned for more updates on this exciting journey!

For more details, check out the full announcement.

EmmoLei attended the American Black Film Festival to discuss her work and process on the panel “Where Blackness is Infinite. Welcome Home” along with entertainment journalist Tre’vell Anderson and film writer Joi Elaine. Moderated by Raina Kelley, Vice President and Editor-In-Chief of Andscape, the panel was a part of the ABFF 2023 Talk Series and will be held at the New World Center Truist Pavilion Saturday, June 17.

I'm excited to share my involvement in the latest project by Little Treblemakers, a music education program spearheaded by Sydney Eloise Ward. Our virtual Flower Hour showcase, recorded at Standard Electric Recorders Co., features a delightful rendition of the Beach Boys' "Surfin' Safari." This initiative not only highlights the musical talents of young students but also supports the local musician community. Stay tuned for the full event from May 18-20 on YouTube Live!

For more details, check out the full article.

I'm honored to have received the Reel Change Film Fund for my work on "Three Ways," a comedy about navigating personal fears and relationships. This project allowed me to explore an innovative percussion-based score, incorporating quirky vocal expressions and dreamy textures. Collaborating with talented musicians and industry professionals elevated the production value, making this project a true highlight in my career.

For more details, visit the full article.

Read the full interview here.

I am incredibly honored to have been selected as a fellow for the 2021 Sundance Film Music Intensive. This unique opportunity allowed me to work alongside an amazing cohort of emerging composers and receive mentorship from industry-leading advisors. Throughout the intensive, we explored the dynamic relationship between music and film, enhancing our skills and creativity. It was an inspiring experience that will undoubtedly influence my future projects. Grateful for the support and guidance provided by the Sundance Institute!

For more details, visit the full announcement.

The NEXT program aims to identify and empower the next generation of music industry leaders to become an active voice in the Recording Academy's mission of recognizing musical excellence and advocating for the advancement and well-being of music-makers. This was a unique opportunity for EmmoLei to be mentored by industry vets in an area that aligns with her interests. Mentors for the NEXT 2021 class included: VP A&R/Creative of Atlas Music Publishing Latoya Lee for the Music Business Mentor Circle; Triller Global Head of Partnerships Mary Rahmani for the Music Marketing & Technology Mentor Circle; Republic Records Executive Vice President of Film & Television Dana Sano for the Music Licensing & Music Supervision Mentor Circle; GRAMMY-nominated engineer Jeff Gitelman for the Production & Engineering Mentor Circle; and GRAMMY-nominated songwriter MarcLo for the Songwriting Mentor Circle.

From chance encounters, to lake spirits, listen as three artists – writer Mark Kendall and sound artists Klimchak and Emmolei Sankofa – kind of come together to think about what happens after you die, why Atlanta is obsessed with Peachtree everything, and how it’s best if we all lead with curiosity.

Explore the pilot episode "Inside the Treehouse w/EmmoLei Sankofa" as well.

Performing a soulful medley of "Don't Fight" and "Intentions" for my debut performance on Mobley's "DEVIL in a DAYDREAM" Virtual Tour.

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EmmoLei speaks with Tash Moore at Quench Finance about money in relation to her career and journey. Read Full interview here.

I'm excited to share the release of my latest single, “Don’t Fight,” which I unveiled in three unique versions: original, a cappella, and instrumental. This project marks a significant evolution in my music, blending raw, uncut vocals with intricate instrumentals. Created organically, this song captures authentic emotions and conversations, recorded in a single take. It represents a snapshot of my artistic journey, continuously evolving and expressing different facets of my experiences.

For more details, check out the full article.