Film, TV and commercial director Malakai has signed with SUPERLATIVE for spot and branding work. This marks her first production house representation.
Malakai’s world-building artistry emerges as a force in the realm of storytelling, community organizing and interactive media. With a mission to reshape the narratives of the Black diaspora, she draws inspiration from her desert origins and maintains an unwavering connection to Afro-futurist culture within fantasy, science fiction, and ancestral-themed horror. Her commercial and short form content portfolio currently includes work for Adidas, AT&T, ABC, Lego, Target, BET, Netflix and Audible.
SUPERLATIVE first worked with Malakai while producing an ORIGINALS campaign for Adidas out of agency TBWA NL Amsterdam. The work highlighted the goals and dreams of a variety of women. It’s work that SUPERLATIVE sees as just the beginning. “We want to support Malakai’s journey as a storyteller within the genres of magical realism, docu-narrative, and installation art,” said creative manager Stefan Dezil, part of the SUPERLATIVE leadership team which includes managing director David Kwan and EP Pia Clemente. “Her talent cannot be contained.” Directing credits include work on Showtime’s The Chi, Twenties on BET, and In the Dark on Netflix and music videos for Davido, Sevyn Streeter, and Destin Conrad. Malakai has directed acclaimed comedy specials for HBO and Netflix featuring Yvonne Oriji and David Arnold. Said Dezil, “Art, immersive, film, AR, VR, music videos, documentaries, narrative exploration (sci-fi/ stem) self-love social advocacy movement & motion. Malakai collaborates with some of the world’s most ambitious brands and storytellers.”
As Malakai puts it, her directorial POV is guided by her ethos. Her guiding beliefs and sensibilities were formed from her father (a preacher) and her mother (a fine artist). “I learned about spirit from my dad and the world of art from my mom, both are about larger communities I was immersed in from an early age,” she said.
Malakai’s journey to becoming a self-taught director is a testament to her resilience and relentless drive. Coming from the world of postproduction, she built her career from the ground up, fueled by a deep sense of impatience and purpose. “I was impatient when I was younger, so I decided to create my own opportunities while lifting up the next generation alongside me,” she said of her entrance into the film and entertainment industry. Her determination has shaped her path, not just as a director, but as a mentor to others. Alongside her impactful commercial work, Malakai is now immersed in a new chapter, working on a highly anticipated sci-fi feature film and several television projects.
Malakai is also the founder of the nonprofit organization Made In Her Image, which provides opportunities and visibility for young women of color, as well as Matr3arc, an arthouse initiative that empowers Black and Brown artists through equitable collaborations with industry giants like A24, Disney, and Panavision. “Nonprofits are in my blood,” Malakai reflected. “When I was a child, my mother ran a youth center, and my grandma ran a homeless women’s shelter. Those experiences were pivotal in shaping who I am as an artist. Our community is everything–it’s essential to my work and my vision.”
This year, Made In Her Image partnered with industry leaders to launch The Open Lens, an open-source, free film curriculum written by Malakai, designed to equip emerging creators with the tools they need to succeed. The inaugural Open Lens Film Lab, which debuted in March 2024, was launched in partnership with Converse, Janelle Monáe, and Universal Studios, offering a unique opportunity for young filmmakers to develop their craft in a supportive, inclusive environment.
“Signing with Superlative is such an incredible opportunity for me,” Malakai said. “It’s not just about being with a company that understands my creative vision, but about being part of a team that truly values diversity and empowerment. Superlative is an organization that isn’t just about the work; they’re about elevating the voices of their artists and creating spaces where we can thrive.”
