Sharifa Johka is an independent producer with a strong background in feature film development, acquisitions, and co-production financing. Johka began her professional career working in Acquisitions & Co-Productions at New Line Cinema/Fine Line Features. She was responsible for tracking film projects in all stages of development and production for financing and worldwide distribution consideration.
As an independent producer, Johka has credits that span the mediums of both film and broadcast television, including the charming romantic comedy, THE SEAT FILLER, directed by Nick Castle (DENNIS THE MENACE, MAJOR PAYNE) and executive produced by Will Smith and Jada Pinkett Smith. Additional television credits include TEEN SUMMIT, LYRIC CAFÉ, and DADDY'S GIRL.
Johka is also the Founder of AFRICAN VOICES Cinema Series (AVCS), a media arts organization that is dedicated to the promotion and advancement of African and African-American films as well as filmmakers of the African Diaspora. In this role, Johka has produced programs in the US, Nigeria, and South Africa. Most recent, AFRICAN VOICES presented AFRICANA!, a television series for BET, for which Johka served as the Executive Producer.
Ms. Johka is a highly sought after lecturer who has conducted production and screenwriting workshops around the world. She is a graduate of the University of Southern California, where she attended the prestigious School of Cinematic Arts and received a Student Academy Award for her compelling documentary THE MIRROR LIED. In addition, she is a J. Paul Getty Arts Fellowship recipient, a working member of Film Independent (FIND) and serves on the Advisory Board for their mentoring program, Project: Involve.