Chineze Anyaene is a multifaceted filmmaker, director, and producer with an unwavering passion for storytelling and a drive to excel in the cinematic world. Born and raised in Abuja, Nigeria, West Africa, she pursued her Bachelor of Arts in Theatre Art from the prestigious University of Abuja, Nigeria.
In 2005, Chineze relocated to the United States, where she obtained a Master's degree in Directing from the renowned New York Film Academy (NYFA).
As the founder and CEO of Xandria Productions, a fully integrated studio, Chineze has made significant strides in the film industry. Her production company specializes in the production, acquisition, marketing, and distribution of theatrical motion pictures within Africa and the international film market.
Chineze's feature film debut, "Ije: The Journey," was produced and directed by her in 2010, with a production sponsorship from Kodak. The critically acclaimed picture was shot in Nigeria and the United States, making it the first feature film to be made by a student of the New York Film Academy. The film received widespread acclaim, winning numerous prestigious awards and becoming a Nigerian box office hit and instant classic.
Some of the notable awards won by "Ije: The Journey" include the Award of Excellence at the Canada International Film Festival, the Golden Ace Award at the Las Vegas International Film Festival, the Silver Palm Award at the Mexico International Film Festival, the Melvin van Peebles Award at the San Francisco Black Festival, and the Festival Prize for Best International Student at the Swansea Bay Film Festival, awarded by Catherine Zeta-Jones and Michael Sheen.
Chineze has also been a speaker at the 14th Edition of the African Business Club, Harvard Business School, where she discussed the topic "Entertainment: A Nexus of the Movie and Music Industries in Africa."
As a prominent figure in the film industry, Chineze has led a delegation of Nigerian film stakeholders to represent the Nigerian movie industry at the World Economic Forum held in Abuja in 2014. She also served as a panelist to discuss the prospects of Nollywood.
In addition to her film production endeavors, Chineze is also a consulting producer for a brand that comprises seven channels on a Sub-Saharan African direct broadcast satellite service.
Chineze has made significant contributions to the film industry, including her role as the chairperson of the Oscar Selection committee, which was approved by the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences in 2012. The committee was responsible for selecting Nigeria's feature film entry in the International Feature Film (IFF) category. The committee was re-approved in 2019, with Chineze still serving as its chairperson.
Throughout her illustrious career, Chineze has demonstrated her unwavering dedication to the film industry, consistently pushing the boundaries of storytelling and cinematic excellence.
