Life & Work with Kingsley Lims Nyarko of Columbus Ohio

Today we’d like to introduce you to Kingsley Lims Nyarko

Hi Kingsley Lims, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
Kingsley Lims Nyarko
Assistant Professor of Film | Chair, Film and Video Department, Columbus College of Art & Design
Filmmaker | Cinematographer | Editor

Kingsley Lims Nyarko is a visionary filmmaker, educator, and industry leader, currently serving as Assistant Professor of Film and Chair of the Film and Video Department at Columbus College of Art & Design (CCAD). Born in Ghana to a family of five with two sister. He currently lives in Delaware Ohio with his wife, Almudena Vallejo Nyarko and two kids, Pedro Lims Nyarko & Daniela Leonor Nyarko.
As a world traveler, Kingsley brings a global perspective to his creative work and pedagogy, deeply influenced by his African heritage and his engagement with international film communities. He serves as an advisory board member for Film Columbus and Gateway Foundation and a board member of Ohio Ghana Festival.

With an MFA in Film from Ohio University, a Post Graduate in Marketing Management from Ghana Institute of Management and Public Administration and a Bachelor’s Degree in Theater and Film from the University of Ghana, Kingsley’s education has shaped his approach to business, leadership and storytelling, emphasizing authenticity, cultural awareness, and the power of film to drive social change. His works, such as Black Wall Street Athens, Mmaatan and Damina, Levi Scofield, (All in progress), highlight underrepresented narratives, offering audiences a rich exploration of history, diversity and diasporic experiences. Kingsley’s work has garnered critical acclaim, including multiple Telly Awards for projects with 99p Labs/Honda, Meraki-Future of Movement Documentary and Meraki environmental video, Showdown In Amherst-Narrative about Emily Dickinson, etc.

At CCAD, Kingsley is a dynamic force within the Film and Video Department. Since becoming Chair in 2022, he has led with a strategic vision, focusing on academic excellence, student mentorship, and industry innovation. His role includes teaching a variety of courses, from film production and editing to documentary video, while mentoring students and helping them refine their creative and technical skills. He is actively involved in curriculum development, ensuring that CCAD’s offerings remain cutting-edge and aligned with the demands of the film industry.

Kingsley’s expertise extends beyond the classroom. His professional experiences include serving as a City Producer for the 48 Hour Film Project in Accra Ghana, frequent speaker at Columbus Council on World Affairs, Panelist for Appalachian Foundation of Ohio Arts and Community Conference, Chairing sessions on Ohio University Global Arts Conference and many more.

His work as a scholar and filmmaker is regularly showcased at prestigious film festivals and conferences. Attending and participating in festivals like the CPH:DOX, Cannes Film Festival, Athens International Film & Video Festival, University Film and Video Conference etc. Kingsley has also participated in the BIPOC Academic Leadership Institute, where he joined a panel discussing leadership in arts and design for higher education.

In addition to his filmmaking and teaching, Kingsley is a certified Remote Pilot by the U.S. Department of Transportation, reflecting his ongoing commitment to incorporating the latest technologies into his work. His multifaceted career also includes roles in content production, photography, event management, and operations at institutions like New York University’s Accra Global Campus, Entertainment TV, Etc.

Driven by his entrepreneurial spirit, Kingsley approaches challenges with innovation and precision, whether managing complex film projects or mentoring the next generation of filmmakers. His leadership, creativity, and dedication to the advancement of film education continue to inspire students and colleagues alike.

Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
Kingsley Lims Nyarko’s journey to becoming a filmmaker, educator, and department chair has been far from smooth, but it is these very challenges that have shaped his resilience, creativity, and determination.

One of the most significant hurdles Kingsley faced was navigating the complexities of transitioning from Ghana to the United States to pursue higher education. Leaving behind a thriving creative career in Ghana, where he had already established a foundation in theatre and film, Kingsley had to adapt to new academic environments, cultural landscapes, and filmmaking approaches in the U.S. This transition wasn’t just a geographical shift but also a challenge in balancing the expectations of a new education system with his deeply ingrained cultural storytelling roots. The experience of being an international student brought its own set of struggles—financial constraints, homesickness, and the pressure to prove himself in a competitive field. Yet, these obstacles became pivotal in shaping his identity as a filmmaker with a unique voice.

As a filmmaker working within the African diaspora, Kingsley often found it challenging to secure the resources and platforms to tell African-centered stories on an international stage. Funding, in particular, has always been a constant obstacle, as is finding collaborators who understood the importance of narratives grounded in African culture and history. In the early stages of his career, Kingsley faced resistance to some of his ideas that diverged from Western filmmaking traditions, but he remained steadfast in his commitment to pushing these boundaries.

Balancing his dual passions—filmmaking and education—has also been a challenge. As an academic leader, Kingsley is dedicated to developing a forward-thinking curriculum at CCAD while simultaneously pursuing his own creative projects. Juggling the administrative responsibilities of chairing the Film and Video Department with the demands of active film production often leads to long hours and intense deadlines. The pressure of maintaining academic excellence while still growing as an artist requires constant recalibration.

Moreover, as a person of color in academia and the film industry, Kingsley has navigated systemic challenges that come with breaking into spaces traditionally dominated by others. Though he has found support networks and built strong professional relationships, there have been moments of isolation, where his vision and leadership were questioned or underappreciated. However, these experiences have strengthened his resolve to advocate for diversity and inclusivity both in his department at CCAD and within the broader film industry.

Despite these struggles, Kingsley views them as essential parts of his growth. They have not only informed his work ethic but also his dedication to mentoring students from diverse backgrounds, helping them overcome similar barriers. Kingsley’s journey is one of perseverance, turning obstacles into opportunities, and continuously advocating for a more inclusive and representative creative arts landscape.

Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
As an artist and creative, Kingsley Lims Nyarko’s work is grounded in the power of visual storytelling, particularly within the realms of identity, culture, and social transformation. His creative practice spans several roles—director, cinematographer, editor, producer and educator—giving him a comprehensive approach to filmmaking. Kingsley specializes in narrative cinema and documentary filmmaking, with a distinctive style that merges poetic visuals and culturally rich storytelling. His work often explores African heritage, the African diaspora, and underrepresented stories that challenge conventional perspectives and celebrate cultural diversity.

Specialization and Style
Kingsley’s films are known for their emotional depth and aesthetic beauty. He draws heavily from his African roots, using them as a lens to tell stories that resonate across borders, blending traditional African narratives with contemporary issues. His expertise lies in the ability to weave together visual poetry with narrative coherence, which can be seen in films like Showdown In Amherst about Emily Dickinson, Black Wall Street Athens documentary and “Da Mina” on the trans Atlantic slave trade focusing non the interior slave trade in Ghana. Through his work, Kingsley gives a voice to marginalized communities, delving into the complexities of identity, displacement, and resilience. His background in cinematography and editing adds an immersive layer to his storytelling, making his films not just to be watched but experienced.

In addition to his thematic focus, Kingsley’s technical skill sets him apart. His mastery of tools like DaVinci Resolve, Adobe Creative Suite, Final Cut Pro, ProTools and AVID Media Composer allows him to bring his creative vision to life with precision. His ability to seamlessly blend technical proficiency with artistic innovation has earned him multiple recognitions and Telly Awards, highlighting his excellence in both narrative and non-broadcast media.

Notable Achievements
Kingsley is particularly proud of his recent work, as is Columbus Dispatch and NBC4, on Showdown in Amherst, a short narrative that showcases his directorial prowess, and his role as the cinematographer and editor for Black Wall Street Athens, a project that resonates deeply with his mission to highlight forgotten or overlooked stories. However, what stands out most to Kingsley are his upcoming feature-length documentary “Da Mina”. These works represent years of research, passion, and commitment to telling stories that are not just visually stunning but socially significant.

Kingsley also takes immense pride in his role as an educator. Beyond his personal achievements, he values the work he does to mentor the next generation of filmmakers at Columbus College of Art & Design. Seeing his students grow, develop their own voices, and succeed in the industry is one of his greatest professional satisfactions. He believes that teaching and filmmaking are deeply intertwined, with his experience in both areas enhancing the other.

What Sets Him Apart
What truly sets Kingsley apart from others is his unique ability to infuse his films with cultural authenticity while pushing the boundaries of conventional cinema. His background, growing up in Ghana and transitioning into a global filmmaking space, gives him a rare and rich perspective that is reflected in the stories he chooses to tell. Kingsley’s work straddles two worlds—the traditional and the contemporary, the local and the global—and it is in this intersection that his art thrives. His films carry a sense of purpose beyond entertainment, often serving as cultural artifacts that bridge gaps between communities.

Are there any books, apps, podcasts or blogs that help you do your best?
Kingsley Lims Nyarko draws inspiration and practical insights from a variety of resources that fuel his creativity, productivity, and growth as a family man, a filmmaker and educator. These include, but not limited to;

Davinci Resolve
Adobe Creative Suite
Final Cut
Final Draft
Celtx
As a filmmaker, Kingsley spends much of his creative time in preproduction to post-production softwares.

Google Apps
Evernote
For ideas and note-taking on the go.

Netflix
Playstation App
Calm App
For playing, relaxation and focus with family.

“The Artist’s Way” by Julia Cameron

“Story” by Robert McKee

“In the Blink of an Eye” by Walter Murch

“Pedagogy of the Oppressed” by Paulo Freire

etc.

Scriptnotes
Hosted by screenwriters John August and Craig Mazin

TED Talks Daily

The Film Comment Podcast

IndieWire

The New Yorker – Film Section

Contact Info:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kinglims/
• Other: https://vimeo.com/user9297631