Aaron Woolfolk was born and raised in the vibrant city of Oakland, California, where his formative years would later influence his creative endeavors. He went on to pursue higher education, earning degrees in both Ethnic Studies and Rhetoric from the esteemed University of California at Berkeley.
Following his academic pursuits, Aaron embarked on a unique teaching experience, instructing English in rural Japan, specifically in Kochi Prefecture on the island of Shikoku. This opportunity allowed him to immerse himself in a new culture and broaden his horizons.
After his time in Japan, Aaron returned to the United States and relocated to New York City, where he furthered his education by receiving his Master of Fine Arts degree in Film from Columbia University.
Aaron's film career gained momentum with the production of his first film, "Rage!", which earned him a prestigious Directors Guild of America award. His subsequent films, "Eki" and "Kuroi Hitsuji", garnered numerous accolades, screened at international film festivals, and were broadcast on cable television.
Aaron's screenplay, "The Harimaya Bridge", caught the attention of Walt Disney Studios/ABC Entertainment, leading to him receiving a Walt Disney Studios/ABC Entertainment Talent Development Grant and later becoming a Walt Disney Studios/ABC Entertainment Writing Fellow.
The production of "The Harimaya Bridge" in the summer of 2008 marked a significant milestone for Aaron, as he became the first African American to shoot a feature film in Japan. The movie premiered in Japanese theaters nationwide in the summer of 2009, receiving widespread critical acclaim.
Aaron's creative endeavors extended beyond film, as he co-wrote his first play, "Bronzeville", with Timothy Toyama. The play premiered at the Los Angeles Theatre Center in the spring of 2009, earning rave reviews and solidifying Aaron's versatility as a creative force.
