Alison Guessou is an Independent Filmmaker

Alison Guessou (Director / Producer / Writer) is a Cameroonian-American narrative filmmaker and producer based in Minneapolis. As a filmmaker, her aim is to bring to light the characters that we rarely see through telling stories that are not often told.

Djini Productions was launched with 911, the short film written, produced, and directed by Alison in 2017, a 10-time festival-nominated short. Djini Productions is a company dedicated to enhancing the dynamics of film production, through diverse representation both in front of and behind the camera. Alison’s directorial work has been selected for both national and international film festivals. Her other credits include the 6-time nominated short film What Marilyn Didn’t Know, the 8-time nominated comedic short film Happily Married After, and the 6-time nominated web series It’s Not You. She just completed her first award-winning feature film Out of Time.

Alison is also the creator of The Kano Chronicles, a fictional fantasy-drama series inspired by the history of the last African empire. Following the Turunku Royal family as they fight to preserve their dynasty amid the forces of globalization, the series explores legacy, power, and cultural survival. The project has received notable recognition, including being named a semi-finalist for the Sundance Episodic Lab (2020), WriteMovies Fall Screenwriting Contest (2020), and the Richmond International Film Festival (2021).

Alison Guessou is a recipient of the Jerome Foundation 2019 Minnesota Film, Video, and Digital Production Grant. She is President Emeritus of Minnesota Women in Film and Television, having served as the organization’s President from 2021-2023, and has also held a Board role with FilmNorth, 2022-2023. She received her bachelor’s degree from the College of Saint Benedict, and a master’s degree in Project Management from St. Mary’s University.