temedaio

Temi Yussuf (temedaio) is a British-Nigerian writer and director based in London, passionate about telling stories that speak to the heart of the human condition. Her work explores identity, loss, belonging, and transformation.With a focus on social issues and emotional truth, her films reveal the quiet ruptures beneath everyday life. Temi is drawn to narratives that live between the personal and the political, where stillness speaks and small moments carry deep meaning.

Her BAFTA-qualifying short film Step Back marked a pivotal point in her career, showcasing her ability to merge powerful, character-driven storytelling with a strong visual sensibility. Most recently, her short film Ugly Instagram, released on MYM, examines the toxic pursuit of digital validation and the quiet cost of online performance. The film was created by a majority women-of-colour crew, including the director, producers, writers, actors, and director of photography. This was not just an aesthetic choice, but a statement of values. The presence of lived experience behind the camera shaped every frame of the film. Temi is deeply engaged in nurturing emerging talent. Through her ongoing work with Mediorite, Temi has served as a juror for their film festivals, led public conversations, and recently delivered a two-day filmmaking workshop to support young creatives in finding their voice. As a passionate advocate for diverse storytelling, Temi thrives in creative collaboration, believing that the most compelling stories are shaped within community.

Temi was shortlisted for the 2024/25 Merky Books New Writers' Prize, a recognition of her growing voice in literature alongside her film work. She has collaborated with organisations such as BFI, Wondery, and Your Cinema Films, and continues to champion creativity as a collective practice. Beyond her film and literary work, Temi has extensive experience as a marketing consultant and creative strategist, helping brands and cultural institutions craft compelling narratives. With a vision that bridges the cinematic and literary worlds, she continues to push boundaries, crafting work that resonates long after the final frame or last page.