Aurielle Akerele, also known as Auri, is a Nigerian-American filmmaker, producer, and multidisciplinary artist based in New York. Originally from Chicago, she works at the intersection of creative direction and strategy across film, TV, photography, and digital media.

Her creative journey began at three years old, studying classical piano as a Suzuki student at the Sherwood Conservatory of Music (now part of Columbia College Chicago) and ballet at Ballet Chicago, while attending the University of Chicago Laboratory Schools. That early, rigorous training in music and movement continues to shape her eye for rhythm, structure, and emotional detail on screen. Her lived experiences, including navigating Ehlers–Danlos Syndrome, also inform the way she leads—with empathy, clarity, and intention.

Aurielle holds a degree in Human Rights, Global Studies, and Africana Studies from Bard College. She is currently pursuing an Executive MBA at NYU Stern School of Business to deepen her strategic thinking and leadership within an ever-evolving media landscape. She brings both rigor and heart to every collaboration—whether guiding creative development and strategy, conducting archival research, or managing production from concept through final delivery.

Her practice spans photojournalism, documentary film, and television (HBO, Showtime, PBS), as well as commercial work, branded content, and freelance photography. She has co-produced and edited notable works, including  IT’S BASIC, which premiered at the Tribeca Film Festival, and the Emmy-nominated AN AMERICAN BOMBING: THE ROAD TO APRIL 19TH on HBO Max, directed by Marc Levin of Blowback Productions. Her photography has appeared in publications including Essence and The Boston Globe.

Aurielle is also the founder and creative lead of A3J Productions, a bespoke creative studio start-up based in New York that partners with purpose-driven brands, entrepreneurs, nonprofits, and artists to craft stories rooted in legacy, belonging, and the human experience. Across mediums, she is committed to creating meaningful, resonant work that helps people show up more authentically, audaciously, and abundantly.