CV

Michael Fadugbagbe (faa·du·baag·beɪ) is a Yoruba-Nigerian decolonial imagemaker,
film director, & archivist based in New York.

He works in photography, video art, & installation.

Fadugbagbe (Yorùbá for unforgettable) discovered film in early childhood
from Nollywood DVDss sold at his local African market.

The Horse in Motion, 1887

A filmmaker visits Nigeria for the first time
since his parents' emigration 22 years prior
and reflects on the Nigerian 1993 election
crisis, colonial history, and repatriation.

His experimental short film “E BE SO!” screened in the 33rd New York African Film Festival at
Maysles Documentary Center and was jury nominated for Best Experimental film at
NFFTY (National Film Festival for Talented Youth) 2026.

He is the founder of The Counter Canon, an art society and discussion series dedicated to the preservation
and study of underrepresented and overlooked artists, with focus on Black and diasporic film & music.

He holds a BA in Studio Art from Wesleyan University where he graduated with High Honors
and the Jessup Prize, awarded to the undergraduate deemed to show the greatest talent
and promise for even greater excellence in art.

In all his work he seeks to heal souls and feed minds.

One day before playing the best team in their Conference,
the worst high school football team in the state of Connecticut
must choose between the brutish strategy of their coach
or the chaotic one of their waterboy.

“e be so!” thesis installation, 2025

For all inquires: michaelfadugbagbe@gmail.com