Emil B. Garuba is a prolific Nigerian-American screenwriter, creative consultant, director, and producer known for crafting compelling narratives across Africa’s film and television landscape. With academic roots in Political Science and Creative Writing (BA & MA) from the University of Central Oklahoma, Emil has built a robust career blending storytelling expertise with cultural insight.
Based in Abuja, Nigeria, Emil’s works span feature films, short films, documentaries, and television—highlighted by award-winning projects like Silent Tears (AFRIFF Audience Choice Award), Tinsel (M-Net’s first Nigerian soap opera), Africa Magic Originals Moving On and Lovestruck, and the critically acclaimed Netflix Original film Lionheart.
He co-wrote the 2016 AMVCA Award–winning feature film Road to Yesterday and the 2019 political drama 4th Republic, a MacArthur Foundation–funded project that premiered on Netflix. As Creative Director of Sutoritera Limited, he has also directed the award-nominated short film Last Tango in Abuja, and worked extensively as a story editor and consultant on multiple HOMEVIDA (Nigeria Integrity Film Awards) short films and the television series Sons of the Caliphate.
Emil’s storytelling voice is rooted in African narratives with global appeal, leveraging his dual cultural identity and academic training to produce thought-provoking, socially resonant content. His storytelling highlights include high-impact screenwriting for Lionheart, Road to Yesterday, Silent Tears, and the politically charged 4th Republic, making him a key figure in modern Nollywood and African cinema.