Kaleb Assefa

Kaleb Assefa is a visionary filmmaker, creative entrepreneur, and social media strategist shaping the entertainment and digital media landscape across East Africa. With over a decade of multidisciplinary experience, he has worked as a film writer, poet, director, actor, production manager, and social media consultant, demonstrating a deep commitment to storytelling and creative excellence.

Kaleb began his professional journey in 2015 with IG Entertainment, the company behind Ethiopia’s first music idol show. While still in high school, he volunteered for the second edition of Coca-Cola Super Star, contributing as Assistant Production Manager and marketer. This early experience showcased his passion, dedication, and hands-on expertise in managing large-scale productions.

In 2018, he expanded his international experience by joining Action Media and Communication, working on projects with Bombardier Inc., a leading Canadian aerospace manufacturer, and collaborating on documentaries with Ethiopian Airlines. He also served as Assistant Production Manager for the Los Angeles-based Parking Lot Film Production documentary “An Animal That Trades,” exploring the life and influence of 18th-century philosopher Adam Smith. In 2021, he collaborated with the Swedish Institute on the Pamoja Photography Project, strengthening his cross-cultural creative portfolio.

Over the past seven years, Kaleb has specialized in social media marketing, blending storytelling with digital innovation to develop engaging content strategies. Since 2018, he has served as a part-time filmmaking instructor at U.S. Embassy American Spaces Ethiopia, mentoring aspiring filmmakers and nurturing emerging talent.

As the founder of Prestige Addis, Kaleb leads the organization’s creative direction and produces the “Beyond the Screen” show, a platform dedicated to showcasing diverse cultures and supporting young creatives. Since 2019, more than 47,000 young people have participated in Prestige Addis workshops, trainings, and community programs. He is also the founder of Firtuna Media, a dynamic media company focused on storytelling, digital content, and creative production, and a winner of a 2022 startup competition led by the United Nations Development Programme and the Job Creation Commission.

Beyond creative ventures, Kaleb serves as Country Director for Kenya Network Market in Nairobi, Kenya, and collaborates with Pexpla Company in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, bridging creativity and business leadership across East Africa.

In recognition of his creative excellence, Kaleb was awarded Best Creative Director in 2018 through the Creative Future program, organized by the European Union and the British Council. Driven by a passion for storytelling and youth empowerment, he continues to innovate at the intersection of entertainment, digital media, and social impact, shaping the next generation of creative leaders in the region.