BIO

In the dynamic realm of cinema, Michael U. Olowu, known as “UZEO“ emerged in the year 2000 in Miami, Florida. Born to Nigerian parents, his story began with a profound cinematic spark at age five, sparked by animated films that captured his imagination. His grandmother brought Nollywood tapes from Nigeria, immersing young UZEO in rich cultural stories, while a mentor in his Miami neighborhood showed him the potential of filmmaking to express authentic, untold narratives. These experiences ignited UZEO's passion for surrealism, inspiring him to embrace the avant-garde, indie, and underground worlds of cinema. 

By nine, he was already performing, attending drama school, and landing a role in the 2010 indie film 7:02 The Righteous His time with the Vijien Youth Film Academy opened his eyes to artistic possibilities, planting the foundation for his future work. Inspired by legends who shattered cinematic norms, UZEO established Olowufilmproductions in 2012, crafting it into a platform for films that dive into the essence of human experience. In 2019, he founded U.F.E (Underground Film Era), a collective empowering like-minded indie filmmakers to explore raw, unfiltered storytelling.

In 2023, his short film Grillz & Mirrors earned an Honorable Mention at the Slamdance Film Festival, affirming his talent for groundbreaking filmmaking. His debut feature, The Child Within premiered at the 2022 Urban Film Festival, marking a significant moment in his evolving career. 

As UZEO he envisions cinema as a limitless canvas, merging visual storytelling, cinematography, and music composition to create fully immersive experiences that resonate with audiences. UZEO’s films are steeped in capturing universal themes that transcend cultures and push the boundaries of traditional storytelling. His dedication to authenticity and cinematic innovation drives him to revolutionize film, making each project a statement that challenges norms and redefines creativity.