The Relationship
GANYEH’s relationship with the Silicon Valley African Film Festival began through the creative leadership of our founder, Tejiri Jarju. Tejiri initially served as the festival’s Director of Social Media, leading the redevelopment of its digital identity, storytelling strategy and online audience engagement. As the scope of the work expanded, the relationship evolved into a larger creative media engagement supported by GANYEH’s network of graphic designers, editors, writers and production professionals.
In 2025, Tejiri transitioned into the role of Director of Creative Media Production, and invited the wider creative team connected to the our creative firm under GANYEH to become responsible for both festival and non-festival projects
The Challenge
The Silicon Valley African Film Festival held a rich archive of African film, culture and community. However, its digital presence had not evolved alongside the strength of its programming.
The festival’s visual identity was inconsistent, audience engagement had plateaued and much of its archival material remained underused. The organization needed a digital strategy capable of preserving its history while making the brand relevant to a younger, globally connected audience seeking dynamic, African-centred cultural content.
Our Strategy
Step 1: Audit + Realign
We reviewed the festival’s digital platforms, visual communication and existing content archive to identify inconsistencies, missed storytelling opportunities and areas for audience growth.
Step 3: Execute & Scale
We established systems for consistent publishing, campaign delivery and live event coverage.
During the festival, the team produced interviews, reels, testimonials, photographs and real-time edits that allowed online audiences to experience the event as it unfolded.
Step 2: Digital Revival
We developed a refreshed visual direction rooted in Afro-diasporic design, cultural storytelling and recognizable branded formats.
A structured content calendar was introduced to connect the festival’s history with current conversations across African film, culture and the wider creative industries.
The Impact
- 300% increase in engagement within six months
- Audience growth from approximately 1,200 to 2,500 followers within one year
- A complete visual refresh adopted across the festival’s digital communication
- More than 30 real-time media assets produced during each four-day festival cycle
- Expansion from an individual social media role into a multidisciplinary creative media production engagement
