BIOGRAPHY

Sarah Owendi Ayitso is a passionate and award-winning television and documentary producer whose work blends storytelling with social impact. With over a decade of experience in the film and media industry, Sarah has carved a niche as a powerful voice for women and underrepresented communities in East Africa’s creative landscape.

She is the founder and current chair of the Female Filmmakers in Kenya Association​ (FEFKA), a national body advocating for women in film through mental health support, legal aid, capacity building, and policy engagement. Under her leadership, FEFKA has grown into a respected platform that amplifies the voices of women across all levels of the industry.

Sarah also serves as the Executive Producer at Phoenix 7 Pictures, a production company committed to bold, boundary-pushing content that reflects diverse stories—beyond gender lines. At Phoenix 7, she oversees narrative films, television shows, and documentaries that explore identity, justice, and the human experience with unflinching honesty.

Beyond production, Sarah is deeply involved in social advocacy. She is a co-founder of She Deserves, a community-based initiative that empowers girls and women aged 14 to 40 through storytelling, mentorship, and direct support. She is also an active collaborator with Tirop’s Angels Foundation, an organization formed in memory of slain athlete Agnes Tirop, where she works to spotlight the rising cases of gender-based violence affecting female athletes in Kenya.

Her growing influence in African cinema was recognized in 2025 when she was appointed a jury member for the Kilimanjaro Film Festival, a role that speaks to her leadership, discernment, and commitment to elevating authentic African voices. In 2024, she was invited as a panelist at the Mashariki International Film Festival, where she contributed to conversations on fostering regional collaboration and empowering creatives through policy and storytelling.

Sarah recently made her international production debut as the Field Producer for Dark Side of Glory, an investigative documentary produced by UK-based CMG Media, shining a light on hidden scandals in the sports world. The project marked a pivotal moment in her career, bridging her local experience with global narratives.

A fearless creator, thoughtful leader, and unapologetic advocate, Sarah Owendi Ayitso continues to shape the future of film in Africa—one powerful story at a time.

Projects and Initiatives

Sarah Owendi Ayitso: The Phoenix Filmmaker Rising to Rewrite Africa’s Narrative

In the world of African cinema and storytelling, few voices resonate with as much fire, depth, and purpose as Sarah Owendi Ayitso. An award-winning filmmaker, producer, and visionary, Sarah’s journey is rooted in a deep passion for stories that matter—stories that empower, awaken, and spark change.

Born with a storyteller’s soul and a revolutionary heart, Sarah has carved a niche for herself as a fearless creative leader committed to telling authentic African stories, especially those that uplift women, challenge injustice, and give voice to the unheard.

🎬 A Filmmaker With Purpose

Sarah’s filmmaking is driven by a strong social conscience. With a sharp eye for narrative and a deep connection to community, she has produced a powerful body of work including Death in the Heartlands, My Horror Love Story, Widowed by Crime, and Black Shines Brightest. Her recent accolade as Best Producer – Documentary at the 2023 Women in Film Awards Kenya is a testament to her excellence and impact in the field.

Whether she’s documenting the lived experiences of women in Kenya or capturing the pulse of contemporary African society, Sarah brings emotion, authenticity, and a bold visual style that sets her apart.

💪🏾 Championing Women in Film

Sarah is not just behind the camera—she’s at the frontlines of the movement to transform the film industry for women. In 2024, she founded the Female Filmmakers in Kenya Association (FEFKA), an organization offering mental health support, legal aid, mentorship, and advocacy for women working in film. Under her leadership as founding president, FEFKA became a beacon for female creatives seeking solidarity and structure in an industry still grappling with gender inequality.

📽️ Projects That Spark Dialogue

Sarah’s projects are more than just films—they are social interventions. Her upcoming documentary, Lady of the Rings, explores gender-based violence in Kenya’s athletics world, particularly the tragic stories of Agnes Tirop and Rebecca Chepnitich. Through this work, Sarah partners with Tirop’s Angels Foundation, amplifying the voices of women athletes fighting for justice and safety.

She’s also the founder of She Deserves, a grassroots CBO aimed at empowering girls and women aged 14 to 25 through  advocacy, and community engagement. supply of sanitary towels. This initiative bridges her work in media with tangible impact on the ground.

🌍 Building Platforms for Pan-African Storytelling

Sarah is also a jury member of the Kilimanjaro Film Festival, set to debut in July 2025. This Pan-African festival will spotlight diverse African voices in film, with a focus on women and young talent. It’s not just a festival—it’s a movement.

She also leads Phoenix 7 Pictures, a production company and creative hub designed to champion African stories that challenge, inspire, and transcend borders. 

🎤 A Voice for Her Generation

Beyond the lens, Sarah is a sought-after speaker and thought leader. She’s graced panels at events like the Mashariki International Film Festival and Masharket 2024, speaking on topics such as “Unity in Diversity: Fostering Pan-African Collaboration” and “Social Media as the New Frontier.” Her presence is magnetic, her message clear: African women belong at the helm of the creative revolution.

✨ The Phoenix Spirit

Sarah lives by the words:

"I am a phoenix. I may fall, but I always rise. Giving up has never been an option."

Her life and work reflect that truth. With every script, every frame, every project—Sarah Owendi Ayitso rises, again and again, to tell stories that cannot be ignored.