Kemiyondo Coutinho

Forbes Africa 30 under 30 recipient, Kemiyondo Coutinho has been writing and acting for the African woman since age 17. Her one-woman shows dealing with gender inequity toured internationally and warranted her an invite from The Gates Foundation to perform at their headquarters. She graduated with an MFA in Acting from The American Conservatory Theater but still vehemently pursued her writing and content creation through her production company Kemistry Klass. She has directed numerous music videos and Kyenvu her debut as a Film Director. Frustrated with the lack of female directors in the industry she decided to take on the role to inspire other female filmmakers to do the same. Kyenvu won the Oscar Qualifying award Best Short Film at the Pan African Film Festival in 2018 making it the first Ugandan film to ever qualify for an Oscar. Garnering major international awards including The Harness Social Impact awarded at NBC Universal's Short Film festival, Kyenvu made a loud directorial debut announcement. She is the inaugural recipient of Kevin hart's Laugh Out Loud filmmaking fellowship and recently premiered her film Green at the American Black Film festival. Known for her multiple disciplines in the arts, Kemiyondo was featured on CNN for her work in the arts in the segment African Voices as well as on BBC for her culture shaking film Kyenvu. Currently based in Los Angeles, is now the recipient of the prestigious E11 Green Card awarded to individuals of extraordinary ability who demonstrate that they are at the top of their field in their home country. Other Awards and Honors include Shadow & Act Rising Star Award & OKAYAfrica100 Women of Africa to watch.