Israel Ekanem

Israel Ekanem is an award-winning Nigerian-Canadian storyteller, producer, writer, director, and founder of Ubuntu Media. Introduced to the art of storytelling by his grandmother at a young age in Nigeria, he has cultivated a prolific career dedicated to platforming diverse voices and building community through compelling narratives.

His acclaimed works include the award-winning films Drown the Lovers, Kill Your Masters, Dearg, Good Earth: The Pots And Passions Of Walter Ostrom, and A Walk In The Sun, each centring underrepresented perspectives and BIPOC experiences. Currently developing an ambitious slate of projects: The Spa, The Space Between, Sunitha’s Dinner, and Run, Israel remains committed to amplifying marginalised voices and fostering cross-cultural understanding through authentic storytelling.

Driven by a profound belief in storytelling’s transformative power, Israel’s artistic vision challenges perspectives and forges deeper human connections through shared experiences. A relentless creative force and community builder, he guides audiences on journeys of self-discovery, empathy, and growth, believing that a story properly told can change the world, one person at a time.

• Drown The Lovers (2018) - Writer, Director
• Kill Your Masters (2022) - Writer, Director, Producer