Tioleja Films and Tioleja Editions: Reclaiming OUR Stories and Reshaping History Through Film and Literature
When it comes to preserving history and amplifying untold stories, Tioleja Media is leading the charge. Founded by Yasmina Fagbemi, a French-American of African descent, Tioleja Films is a powerhouse with two dynamic divisions: Tioleja Films and Tioleja Editions. Their mission? To elevate the voices of everyday heroes and center Black stories that have long been erased from historical records.
In partnership with Gabriel Souleyka, they bring unique perspectives to storytelling. Gabriel, a historian by training, brings over two decades of experience as a script doctor in the United States. Together, they have released nine historical novels and a children’s book, each contributing to their mission of shedding light on overlooked stories.
Inspired by Chinua Achebe’s words—“Until the lions have their own historians, the history of the hunt will always glorify the hunter”—Fagbemi has made it her life’s work to challenge dominant narratives. Through Tioleja Editions, they’ve released nine historical novels, each spotlighting women’s stories and reigniting a love for reading within the community. Their debut novel, “Solitude l’Enfance” (“Solitude, Childhood” in English), achieved Amazon bestseller status within three weeks of its release.
Among their works are three extraordinary historical novels featuring Black women: Solitude, a French West Indies captive executed 24 hours after giving birth; Awa, a Holocaust narrative from the perspective of an African woman deported to Auschwitz; and Toya, the adoptive mother of Jean-Jacques Dessalines, the first ruler of the first Black republic. Adding to their global impact, Tioleja Media distinguishes itself by offering content in multiple languages, making these crucial stories accessible to diverse audiences worldwide.
Operating in both the US and West Africa, Tioleja Films and Tioleja Editions are breaking new ground, reclaiming narratives, fostering economic opportunities, and building bridges between multiple communities. Explore their work at tiolejafilms.com.
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