Aurielle (pronounced AW-REE-ELL) Akerele, also known as Auri, is a Nigerian-American filmmaker, producer, and multidisciplinary artist based in New York. Originally from Chicago, Auri partners with founders, startups, nonprofits, and artists.

Aurielle’s creative journey began early 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 Lab School. That rigorous foundation informs her sharp narrative instincts across mediums.

Aurielle holds a degree in Human Rights, Global Studies, and Africana Studies from Bard College. She brings both rigor and heart to every collaboration — whether leading creative development and strategy, conducting investigative research, or managing logistics from concept through final delivery.

Auri’s work span photojournalism, award-winning documentaries film/TV (HBO, Showtime, PBS), commercial work, and branded storytelling. She has co-produced and edited notable documentaries, including It’s Basic, which premiered at Tribeca Film Festival, and Emmy-nominated An American Bombing: The Road to April 19th on HBO Max, directed by Marc Levin of Blowback Productions. Aurielle’s photography has been featured in editorial from Essence to The Boston Globe. Aurielle creates meaningful, resonant work that helps people show up more authentically, audaciously, and abundantly.

Aurielle is the founder and creative lead of A3J Productions.