Otoja is a first generation Nigerian-American who grew up in Queens, New York. After graduating from St. Johns University where he played Division-1 Basketball, he delved into the arts world. Otoja worked as the assistant director on Broadway's revival of THAT CHAMPIONSHIP SEASON. Otoja then went on to book roles in both television and film including: The Humbling, Stonewall, The Night Of, The Slap & The Blacklist. 

 

Over the last few years, Otoja rounded out his resume by writing, directing and producing his first two films. JITTERS, an Academy Award qualifying short, and A NEW YORK CHRISTMAS WEDDING, the first-of-its-kind urban-leaning holiday film which was acquired by Netflix. 

 

Otoja continues to bring his personal love of storytelling to all his work. When asked about his recent film experience he shared, “I remember one of our crew members telling me this film is a little bit too ambitious. And I totally understand that, but I also feel for me, as a Black artist I don’t have the second of third chance to make something, I have to make something right now.” With the wonderful support of the Willful Productions team, they are willfully able to make something great, right now.