Liberian filmmaker and producer Sallen Woewiyu delivered insights on mentorship, legacy, and shaping the future of the creative industry this September at AFRICON2025 in Atlanta. Known for his work with Marvel Studios and his advocacy for African storytelling, Woewiyu’s message resonated deeply with young creatives looking to break into the creative space.

“What always inspires me is being able to better myself. For example, I’m from Liberia, and when I look where I come from, I see a lot of young people, not just in Liberia but all across Africa, there are young people back home who are searching for a God of light, someone who looks like them, and someone who is doing the things that they’ve always dreamed of. And I always think of myself as that vessel.”

From Liberia to Hollywood

Woewiyu shared his journey from Liberia to Hollywood, stressing the importance of vision and perseverance. 

“As someone who was given the opportunity to come to America, to show people, hey, you can be a producer; you can work on the biggest movies in the world; you can work on billion-dollar projects. And someone who looks like you, someone next door to you, has achieved the same thing. So that inspires me every day to be a godlike presence in the lives of my brothers and sisters back home.”

Building a Legacy

Woewiyu’s focus is on leaving a legacy that transcends personal success. 

“I wanted to open some doors and give some insight,” he said. “
In 10 years, we’ll have presidents who come to AFRICON,
because it will be the main place every year for Africans to come together to share ideas and meet each other.”

Watch Sallen Woewiyu’s full interview at #AFRICON2025 for more inspiration.

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Liberian Filmmaker, Sallen Woewiyu, AFRICON2025, mentorship in film, African filmmakers, Hollywood success, African storytellers, Marvel Studios, creative industry, film mentorship, African diaspora, legacy in filmmaking, Hollywood diversity, next-gen filmmakers, empowering creatives.

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