Emann Odufu is a dynamic creative producer, curator, independent art and culture critic, filmmaker and writer born and raised in Newark, NJ. He is well known for his exploration of Afro-Futurism within black cinema, reflecting a deep commitment to innovative storytelling and championing of representation in the visual arts.

Emann’s multifaceted practice merges his passion for art history and visual culture with impactful community engagement. His published writing and interviews highlight his talent for mobilizing the arts to foster connections across both conventional and non-traditional artistic spaces. At the heart of his work is a dedication to innovation and breaking down barriers among diverse creative forms, skillfully blending visual art, film, advertising, and social justice.

In 2016, Emann played a pivotal role in touring Hank Willis Thomas’s public art project, “In Search of the Truth,” across 30 states and 45 cities, leveraging partnerships with various arts institutions to enhance the project's reach. The following year, he successfully launched a nationwide screening and speaking tour at over 15 colleges and universities for "Ori Inu: In Search Of Self," a film co-created with his sister, Chelsea Odufu, showcased at prestigious instiutions including Harvard, Yale, Dartmouth, Arizona State University, New York University, Reed College, School of Visual Arts (SVA), etc.

His creative work and writing have been featured in prominent outlets such as The New York Times, Huffington Post, Paper Magazine, The Brooklyn Rail, Document Journal and Okay Africa. Emann has interviewed influential figures like Venus Williams, Derrick Adams, Adam Pendleton, Hew Locke, The Basquiat Estate, Hank Willis Thomas and KAWS, providing insight into contemporary art and culture.

Currently Emann is a Senior Integrated Producer at FCB NY where he produces campaigns for Whitney Museum, Ad Council, Verizon, FDA, Budweiser, the Mets, and the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation including the award-winning “Love, Your Mind” campaign for the Ad Council which tapped creatives including the film director, Calmatic and photographer, Dana Scruggs to launch the first national advertising campaign in history focused on the mental health of Black and Hispanic men and women. This project was also nominated for “Campaign of the Year” at the 2024 AdColor Awards. He recently produced the “Alvin Ailey & Me” campaign for the Whitney Museum, which will be the first communications project to be added to the Whitney Museum’s permanent archive.

Emann’s curatorial experience includes exhibitions at the National Arts Club and MoCA Connecticut and the Leila Heller Gallery. He is a member of the International Association of Art Critics (AICA).

In 2024, Emann founded Umana Yana Strategies, a fine art and media consulting firm that serves as a platform to help artists, institutions, and cultural organizations reach their strategic and operational goals through impactful strategy and execution with a focus on publishing, programming, curatorial services, production, public art initiatives, and marketing.