Statement Films
We source and develop content for films and television made my African women writers, directors, and creators.
| Date | Investors | Amount | Round |
|---|---|---|---|
* | $750k | Angel | |
| Total Funding | 000k | ||
Statement Films, founded in 2020 by Areej Noor, operates as a media and insights company with a clear focus on the African entertainment landscape. The firm was established to bridge the gap between African and diaspora women filmmakers and the global marketplace, aiming to create a pipeline for their intellectual property. The founder's journey is deeply rooted in policy, media, and content. Areej Noor, a Somali-American writer, producer, and political analyst, began her career as a researcher at the Brookings Institution, focusing on U.S. foreign policy in the Middle East and the Horn of Africa. Her experience extends to producing for MSNBC and a period at Al-Jazeera English, alongside consulting for the World Bank before establishing STATEMENT.
The company has evolved from its initial model as a film and production entity into a multi-faceted media business. Its operations are now segmented into three core verticals: STATEMENT FILMS continues to source, develop, and produce film and television content from African female creators; EDITORIAL provides coverage on the work of African creators across entertainment, tech, and fashion; and the CREATOR STUDIO functions as a full-service creative and production studio that facilitates brand partnerships for African creators. This structure is designed to not only produce content but also to increase the visibility of the African creative class.
The company's business model centers on developing and presenting a slate of intellectual property led by African women to international buyers. In early 2023, Statement Films secured $750,000 in a funding round to scale its operations. This investment, led by prominent figures such as Earvin “Magic” Johnson and Samuel L. Jackson, was intended to expand the company's media and insights offerings while the production arm continues its focus on female filmmakers. With a presence in locations including New York, Los Angeles, Cairo, and Nairobi, the company is positioned to operate across key global and African markets.
Keywords: African filmmakers, women in film, diaspora creators, film production, media and insights, content development, African entertainment, creator studio, brand partnerships, intellectual property development, female filmmakers, film finance, Areej Noor, global marketplace, entertainment industry, content creation, editorial coverage, film and television, creative economy, media startup