Production company Fela has signed director Kajal for commercial representation in the U.S. and Canada. A Brooklyn native, Kajal is a multifaceted creative who rose to acclaim directing the powerful and transformative documentary short Protecting Women of Color, starring Megan Thee Stallion and published by The New York Times. The provocative film expresses gritty realism and flips the narrative by focusing on the everyday struggles of BIPOC women, earning accolades at the Clios, AICP and Webby Awards. Kajal once again joined forces with Megan Thee Stallion for the launch campaign of Popeyes’ “Hottie Sauce,” the director’s first project with Fela via GUT Miami.
Kajal’s creative portfolio encompasses inspirational campaigns for Nike and Hennessey that celebrate Black and Brown voices, in addition to photographing Issa Rae for the cover of Mic Magazine’s debut print issue in October 2021. Kajal achieved early success directing short films at Complex Magazine, where her documentary with Billie Eilish for Pigeons and Planes helped jumpstart her career. A rising star across creative disciplines, Kajal uses her art to elevate underrepresented communities and to amplify people of color. She draws inspiration from her experience as a first-generation American to tell genuine stories that are rooted in realism and truth, packing an emotional punch. Kajal’s passion for filmmaking dates back to her youth, watching Bollywood films with her late grandfather–an aspiring director–who taught her the art of film and instilled a sense of humanity that inspires her work today.
“Kajal is a trailblazing director making waves in the industry and paving new paths for underrepresented creatives to achieve success. She’s fearless and strives to tell authentic and thought-provoking narratives that champion traditionally marginalized voices and help impact the way we view the world. Her vision reflects Fela’s mission of telling authentic cultural stories, and we’re excited to grow with her and help her push the narrative forward,” stated Taj Critchlow, co-founder and executive producer, Fela.
Kajal shared, “From the first moment I spoke with Taj via email, it felt like a genuine connection and a welcoming opportunity. I felt an instant chemistry with the team and powerful synergy, and we align under the same vision of sharing our stories. It’s important that where I found my home is with a team connected to a bigger purpose, and Fela truly feels like home.”
Full Lineup Set For AFI Fest; Official Selections Span 44 Countries, Include 9 Best International Feature Oscar Submissions
The American Film Institute (AFI) has unveiled the full lineup for this yearโs AFI Fest, taking place in Los Angeles from October 23-27. Rounding out the slate of already announced titles are such highlights as September 5 directed by Tim Fehlbaum, All We Imagine As Light directed by Payal Kapadia, The Luckiest Man in America directed by Samir Oliveros (AFI Class of 2019), Zurawski v. Texas from executive producers Hillary Clinton, Chelsea Clinton and Jennifer Lawrence and directors Maisie Crow and Abbie Perrault, and Oh, Canada directed by Paul Schrader (AFI Class of 1969). A total of 158 films are set to screen at the 38th edition of AFI Fest.
Of the official selections, 48% are directed by women and non-binary filmmakers and 26% are directed by BIPOC filmmakers.
Additional festival highlights include documentaries Architecton directed by Victor Kossakovsky; Cheech & Chongโs Last Movie directed by David Bushell; Devo directed by Chris Smith about the legendary new wave provocateurs; Gaucho Gaucho directed by Michael Dweck and Gregory Kershaw; Group Therapy directed by Neil Berkeley with Emmyยฎ winner Neil Patrick Harris and Tig Notaro; No Other Land directed by a Palestinian-Israeli team comprised of Basel Adra, Yuval Abraham, Rachel Szor and Hamdan Ballal; Pavements directed by Alex Ross Perry; and Separated directed by Errol Morris. Notable narrative titles include Black Dog (Gou Zen) directed by Guan Hu; Bonjour Tristesse directed by Durga Chew-Bose with Academy Awardยฎ nominee Chloรซ Sevigny; Caught By The Tides directed by Jia Zhangke; Hard Truths directed by Mike Leigh with... Read More