Rama Thiaw is a filmmaker, screenwriter, and documentary director of Mauritanian and Senegalese descent who has become a significant voice in contemporary African cinema. Her work is widely recognized for its engagement with political and social issues, especially youth activism and cultural resistance in West Africa. Thiaw’s distinct cinematic style pairs thoughtful storytelling with social commentary, earning her international acclaim including awards at major film festivals. Alongside filmmaking, she is an educator, mentor, and advocate for African women’s voices in the arts.
Profile Summary
| Full Name | Rama Thiaw (aka Rama Thiam, Rama Tiaw) |
| Date of Birth | April 30, 1978 |
| Place of Birth | Nouakchott, Mauritania |
| Nationality | Senegalese and Mauritanian |
| State of Origin | Senegal (Dakar region) |
| Partner | N/A |
| Children | N/A |
| Occupations | Filmmaker, Screenwriter, Director, Producer, Editor, Educator |
| Net Worth | $200,000-$300,000 |
Early Life and Education
Born on April 30, 1978, in Nouakchott, Mauritania, Rama Thiaw grew up between Mauritania, Senegal (specifically Dakar), and Europe. Her upbringing between these diverse cultural settings deeply shaped her perspective on identity and social issues.
After her parents’ divorce, she divided her time between Senegal and France. She pursued higher education in Paris, earning master’s degrees in International Economics, Sociology, and Film Studies. This combination of economics and cinema shaped her unique approach to filmmaking, blending rigorous social analysis with creative expression.
Career
Thiaw began her career in Paris, initially working with politically engaged television focusing on marginalized communities. She created early documentary shorts before making her first feature documentary, “Boul Fallé, la Voie de la lutte” (2009), which highlights traditional wrestling in Dakar’s neighborhoods as a metaphor for youth resistance and social change.
In 2010, she founded her production company, Boul Fallé Images, based in Dakar. Her second feature documentary, “The Revolution Won’t Be Televised” (2016), received critical acclaim and multiple awards for documenting Senegal’s youth-led protest movement against government corruption and electoral injustice.
Her latest project, “Zion Music,” a documentary exploring the political history of reggae in West Africa, has been in development for over 15 years with release expected soon. She is also working on a feature gangster film and a personal documentary about her mother’s disappearance.
Thiaw is actively involved in mentoring young filmmakers and has taught at several universities. She curates cultural events that center African women’s artistic and intellectual contributions.
Personal Life
Rama Thiaw keeps her personal life private, with limited information publicly available about her family, relationships, or children. Her public presence is primarily through her work as a filmmaker and cultural activist.
Rama Thiaw Net Worth
Rama Thiaw’s estimated net worth is approximately $200,000 to $300,000. As an independent filmmaker primarily working within the African documentary film sector, her income comes from film production grants, festival awards, teaching engagements, and cultural projects.
Filmography
- Boul Fallé, la Voie de la lutte (2009)
- The Revolution Won’t Be Televised (2016)
- Zion Music (In development)
- Several documentary shorts and portrait series produced early in her career
Upcoming projects include Life in Spiral (a feature film) and The Vanishing (a documentary).
Awards and Nominations
Her documentary The Revolution Won’t Be Televised won the FIPRESCI Prize at the Berlin International Film Festival and received several jury awards and nominations at other international festivals. She has also served as a jury member and mentor at various film festivals and industry events.
