Film
Ayoka created a distinctive body of work that continues to be enjoyed by audiences worldwide.
She is one of the first African American women to write, produce and direct a 35mm feature film, is noted as the first animator blending film, frame-by-frame video, and computer animation, and she is created with creating the first sci-fi and fantasy interactive film with a woman of color as a superhero.
Ayoka’s films are part of many permanent collections, including the Museum of Modern Art and the Whitney Museum of American Art, and received 4K restorations by the Academy Film Archive and The Film Foundation with funding from the Hobson/Lucas Family Foundation. Her early collection of films are distributed by Milestone Films/Kino Lorber and can be seen n the Criterion Channel.
Alma’s Rainbow
35mm feature film now streaming on Netflix
One of the first feature films written, produced, and directed by an African American woman. Alma’s Rainbow received a 4K restoration by the Academy Film Archive and The Film Foundation with funding from the Hobson/Lucas Family Foundation.
Hair Piece: a film for nappyheaded people
(animation)
In 2018, Hair Piece was one of the twenty-five films selected for the National Film Registry by the Library of Congress. Hair Piece received a 4K restoration by the Academy Film Archive and The Film Foundation with funding from the Hobson/Lucas Family Foundation.
Zajota & the Boogie Spirit
This animated film blends film, frame-by-frame video, and computer animation. Winner of the Sony Innovator Award.
(computer animation)
HERadventure
(interactive cinema)
Science Fiction, interactive cinema featuring a woman of color as an intergalactic superhero.
MOTV (My Own TV)
A bittersweet satire of remembrance as a woman searches through her late husband’s video legacy and recalls their life together. Winner, Black Filmmakers Hall of Fame, lst place award.
Princess Zaya: The Bend in Origan
animated film
After many years in hiding while her planet was at war, Princess Zaya emerges from a cave and discovers that she is the last survivor of the planet Origan. She finds herself on Earth believing that her status as a princess will be welcomed but instead discovers otherwise. With no home and seemingly no bright future, Princess Zaya finally connects with her true calling and a new purpose.