Katy Léna Ndiaye (she/her) is a film director and producer whose films offer a window into contemporary Africa, tracing its journey through history and memory. Her lens has a particular focus, a gentle spotlight on women’s perspectives regarding transmission and heritage. Her work has earned awards at festivals across the globe.

She is known for her documentaries about women muralists, Traces (2003) and Awaiting for Men (2007). Her work reflects on transmission, and the nuanced journey of womanhood. Among her recent films is Time is on Our Side (2019), a portrait of Burkinabe rapper Smockey, whose lyrics became a catalyst in the resistance to Blaise Compaoré’s regime in Burkina Faso. Her most recent work, Money, Freedom, a History of CFA Franc (2022), sheds light on the currency of French-speaking Africa and its lingering ties to colonial history.

In 2013, Katy Léna founded IndigoMood Films in Dakar, a platform for her narratives to unfold, and where she accompanies talented directors in bringing their unique visual stories to the screen.