In the heart of Denver, the Askkanwii Filmmaking Hub Incubator is forging connections across continents, using film to celebrate African cultures, histories, and heritages. Founded in 2013 by Senegalese immigrant Ousmane Ndoye, this nonprofit is dedicated to empowering underrepresented communities through the arts with a mission to foster cultural diplomacy beyond borders.
Under the motto “Beyond Just Storytelling,” Askkanwii—meaning “community” in Wolof, a native Senegalese dialect—provides filmmaking education, mentorship, and state-of-the-art production platforms to aspiring filmmakers in Colorado and the African diaspora. The organization aims to bridge Colorado and Africa, offering tools and resources to content creators who have historically been overlooked. “We want to connect communities, cultures, and history through the art of filmmaking,” Ndoye said, reflecting on the inaugural Colorado Diasporic Film Festival, which showcased films from Africa, Europe, Latin America, the Caribbean, and the U.S.
The hub’s programs cover scriptwriting, directing, editing, and post-production, equipping filmmakers to tell authentic stories. Recent projects include documentaries like The Joy of Living from Congo and Senegal from Senegal, alongside upcoming films such as Ndoye’s Fishing for My Dreams and My African Dream. By collaborating with filmmakers in countries like Togo, Cameroon, and Burkina Faso, Askkanwii builds a global network of storytellers
The Colorado Diasporic Film Festival, a flagship initiative, brings diverse narratives to Denver audiences. The festival highlights voices rarely seen on mainstream screens, from a Senegalese fishing village to a Colorado cowboy story. “People will see different cultures, different communities, and different realities,” Ndoye said, emphasizing the power of film to unite
Askkanwii’s impact extends beyond the screen. Through community service programs like Askkanwii Aid, the organization supports local development in its operating regions. Cultural forums, networking events, and film projections in schools and theaters further amplify its mission of inclusion and equity.
With a team of passionate creatives, including award-winning filmmaker Angel Williams and Ethiopian filmmaker Yeshi, Askkanwii is cultivating a vibrant, inclusive filmmaking ecosystem. As Ndoye envisions, “It’s not about film—what defines us is those moments of sharing.”
