What happens when African Americans from Los Angeles, California, travel to Africa The Motherland for the first time in their lives. AKWAABA THE AWAKENING, takes you on their journey of discovery.
What are the deep seeded myths that keep African Americans from traveling to Africa, The Motherland? Fear of being eaten by lions, trampled by elephants, devoured by cannibals? 25 brave Angelenos, took brave steps to journey forward into the unknown world of Africa. On this journey they are awakened in their souls to the beauty of Africa, its people, children, and families. Their soul connection is life changing. You will hear them speak in their own words about their experiences, challenges, and discoveries.
Sybil D. Jatta, Director, Singer, Actress, Producer, Writer, Filmmaker, Documentarian. A proud native of Phoenix, AZ, daughter of the late great performer, Peter Martin, and Abbie McDonald, oldest of 9 children 7 girls 2 boys. Directorial debut for the film "Akwaaba The Awakening", a full length feature documentary chronicling the lives of African Americans from Los Angeles, traveling to Africa the Motherland for the first time. Accepted in the prestigious Pan African Film Festival, Women's International Film Festival and Cleveland Urban Film Festival for 2021. Currently has received global recognition with over 200 awards and Global Filmmaker of the year 2025. Humbled, grateful, knowing "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me".
PAFF: PAN AFRICAN FILM FESTIVAL - WORLD PREMIERE - 2021
NOMINEE - AMAA AFRICAN MOVIE ACADEMY AWARDS NIGERIA SCREENING - 2022
SCREENING - WORLD CLASS FILM AWARDS - PUEBLA MEXICO - 2024
AAWIC: AFRICAN AMERICAN WOMEN IN CINEMA FESTIVAL - SCREENING - HARLEM, NEW YORK, 2025
PREMIERE -BEYOND HOLLYWOOD INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL - 2025 THE REGAL THEATER LOS ANGELES
AAWIC - 2025 - TRUTH TELLER AWARD - HARLEM, NEW YORK
BHIFF - 2025 - BEST DOCUMENTARY FEATURE - LOS ANGELES REGAL THEATER
WORLD CLASS FILM AWARDS 2024 - GLOBAL FILMMAKER AWARD - PUEBLA, MEXICO
CULVER CITY FILM FESTIVAL 2023 - GRAND JURY PRIZE - CULVER CITY
SAN FRANCISCO INTERNATIONAL NEW CONCEPT FILM FESTIVAL - 2022 - BEST DOCUMENTARY FEATURE - SAN FRANCISCO
Steve Harvey - Actor
Dawn Sutherland - Actress
Sybil Jatta - Actress
Dominique Diprima - Actress
Betty Arnold - Actress
