Femi Are, popularly known as Kingleeno, is a Nigerian filmmaker whose work covers directing, producing, screenwriting and film editing. He has developed projects that explore human experiences, social issues and everyday African life.
Are is the founder of Dream Magic Empire (DME), a film production company and creative training platform. Through the organisation, he combines filmmaking with efforts to develop young talent and create opportunities for emerging creatives.
His filmography includes Peregun, Kuti Atiba, Diary of Honey, Laba Laba and Atopinpin. His short films and other productions have also helped establish his presence in independent Nigerian filmmaking.
Femi Are Early Life and Background
Femi Are developed an interest in filmmaking through his exposure to creative work and storytelling. He grew up around an environment that encouraged his interest in the arts, which influenced his decision to pursue a career in film.
His approach to filmmaking draws inspiration from everyday experiences and the people around him. He often explores themes such as identity, education, relationships and personal struggles.
Are has kept much of his private background away from public attention. However, his professional journey shows a sustained interest in developing his creative skills and building opportunities for other filmmakers.
Femi Are Education and Film Training
Are strengthened his filmmaking knowledge through professional training at EbonyLife Creative Academy and the African Film Academy. His studies focused on directing and helped him develop a stronger understanding of visual storytelling.
The training gave him opportunities to improve his technical knowledge and approach to film production. It also complemented his practical experience as a director, editor, producer and writer.
Working across these different roles has helped Are understand filmmaking beyond the camera. He can approach a project from the writing stage through production and post-production.
How Femi Are Started His Filmmaking Career
Are built his career through independent productions and creative collaborations. Rather than limiting himself to one filmmaking role, he developed experience in directing, editing, writing and producing.
This combination gave him a broader understanding of how films come together. It also allowed him to take on different responsibilities across projects, from shaping a story to overseeing its visual presentation.
He adopted the professional name Kingleeno as his creative identity. Under that name, he has continued developing films and building a network of collaborators within Nigeria’s independent film community.
His work has gradually expanded across feature films, short films and other screen productions. This progression helped him establish Dream Magic Empire as a platform for his creative and business ambitions.
Femi Are Movies and Film Projects
Are’s filmography includes projects across drama, social storytelling and thriller productions. Some of his recognised titles include Peregun, Kuti Atiba, Diary of Honey, Laba Laba, Atopinpin and Osupa Aje.
Peregun
Peregun is one of the projects associated with Are’s growing reputation as a filmmaker. He directed the film in 2021, and it received recognition through film festival selections and industry platforms.
The project helped bring attention to his work beyond independent production circles. It also demonstrated his interest in telling stories with cultural and social relevance.
Kuti Atiba
Kuti Atiba is another title in Are’s filmography. The project forms part of his work exploring Nigerian stories through film.
Its inclusion in his body of work reflects his interest in developing productions that connect with local audiences. Are’s wider approach places importance on stories drawn from familiar experiences and cultural settings.
Diary of Honey
Diary of Honey adds to Are’s work across different storytelling formats. The title forms part of the projects he has developed through his filmmaking career.
Alongside his other productions, it contributes to a growing catalogue that includes feature projects and shorter works.
Other Film Projects
Are’s other projects include Laba Laba, Atopinpin, Osupa Aje, Emi and Photographer. His short-film credits include Cycle, Conspiracy and Ignoramus.
He has also worked on productions such as Ella (A Girl Child Education), I Told Her and Amara. These projects explore themes connected to human relationships, identity and social experiences.
His range of work shows an interest in stories that go beyond conventional entertainment. Education, personal struggles and community experiences also feature in his creative direction.
Dream Magic Empire and Femi Are’s Creative Vision
Dream Magic Empire is central to Are’s work as a filmmaker and creative entrepreneur. He founded the organisation to develop film projects while creating opportunities for young people interested in the entertainment industry.
The company operates as a production hub and creative training platform. Its activities include film, theatre and media-related development.
Through its academy, Dream Magic Empire provides practical learning opportunities for emerging creatives. Training activities include workshops, rehearsals, mentorship and community-based productions.
Are’s approach places importance on practical experience. Rather than focusing only on classroom instruction, the platform encourages young creatives to participate in production activities and develop their skills through hands-on work.
This model reflects his wider ambition to contribute to the growth of the Nigerian film industry. It also gives him a way to combine his professional filmmaking work with talent development.
Femi Are’s Directing and Filmmaking Style
Are’s work reflects an interest in emotionally grounded stories and familiar social experiences. His projects explore subjects such as identity, relationships, education and the challenges people encounter in everyday life.
His background in writing and editing also influences his approach to directing. Screenwriting helps him develop the story and characters, while editing gives him an understanding of pacing and visual continuity.
Working across different filmmaking roles allows him to participate in several stages of production. This versatility has become an important part of his professional identity.
Are also places value on collaboration and training. Through Dream Magic Empire, he creates opportunities for emerging creatives to learn from practical production experiences.
Film Festival Recognition and Career Development
Are’s projects have received selections and screenings at local and international film platforms. His work has been associated with events and organisations including the Africa International Film Festival (AFRIFF) and the Lift-Off Global Network.
Peregun, in particular, attracted attention through festival recognition and industry exposure. These opportunities helped introduce his work to audiences beyond his immediate production network.
Festival participation can provide independent filmmakers with opportunities to connect with other professionals, reach new audiences and develop future projects. For Are, these platforms form part of his continuing effort to grow as a filmmaker.
He continues to develop projects through Dream Magic Empire while working across different creative roles. His career combines independent film production with a commitment to supporting emerging talent.
Femi Are’s Contributions to Nollywood
Are’s contribution to Nollywood extends beyond his directing and producing credits. Through Dream Magic Empire, he has created a platform for young people interested in film, theatre and media production.
His training activities address an important need within the creative industry. Emerging filmmakers require practical skills, mentorship and opportunities to participate in real productions.
His work also contributes to the visibility of independent Nigerian storytelling. Projects such as Peregun, Kuti Atiba and Diary of Honey form part of a growing body of work developed outside the industry’s largest production structures.
By combining filmmaking with creative education, Are is building a career that includes both personal projects and wider industry development.
Conclusion
Femi Are, popularly known as Kingleeno, is a Nigerian filmmaker whose career combines directing, producing, writing and editing. His projects include Peregun, Kuti Atiba, Diary of Honey, Laba Laba and several short films.
Through Dream Magic Empire, he has extended his work beyond film production into creative training and mentorship. His focus on practical learning gives emerging filmmakers opportunities to develop their skills and gain production experience.
As he continues developing new projects, Are is building a professional identity that connects storytelling with the growth of Nigeria’s creative industry.
