CVPA's Young Alumni Commissioning Project presents Kenge BaNikongo with Wingz
Saturday, September 12, 2026 7:00 PM to 8:30 PM EDT
Johnson Center, Cinema
Photo: Kenge BaNikongo
Join College of Visual and Performing Arts alumna Kenge BaNikongo (BA, Theater, BA Film and Video Studies, 2021) for a screening of “Sight”, the pilot episode of her original comedy-drama, Wingz.
Wingz centers on a second-generation fairy grappling with the impacts of her magical abilities on her everyday life. The script also explores the complexities of family and identity within the immigrant experience, incorporating an element of fantasy.
Following the screening, Kenge will participate in a question-and-answer session with the audience.
"I'm a strong believer in doing 10,000 hours worth of practice to be an expert in your craft. Take classes, listen to seminars, watch the works of those you admire and aspire to be like, and also work on your craft regularly. Most importantly, look for your "people." Find those who share in your dream, or want to help and support you in yours.” --Kenge BaNikongo
Kenge BaNikongo's love of the arts began with acting in middle school, and expanded to writing short stories, then scriptwriting. BaNikongo’s interest in storytelling drew her to filmmaking.
She enrolled at George Mason University in 2017. A recipient of a four-year scholarship for film and a semester-long-acting scholarship, BaNikongo graduated with dual degrees in Theater and Film and Video Studies in 2021.
At George Mason, BaNikongo wrote and directed two short films, Marinara and Trini Girls, and produced a third short film, Ring Ring. Screening at Film and Video Studies Spring Showcase in 2021, Marinara received the awards for Best Editing; Best Drama, Audience Favorite; and Special Technical Recognition for Excellence in Filmmaking.
Trini Girls was selected for inclusion in the traveling Best of Film at Mason showcase in 2021. "Ring Ring" secured the award for Best Pitched Story at FAVS' 2020 Fall Film Showcase, as well as nominations for Best Writer and Best Lead Actress at the Couch Film Festival 2021. The film’s lead, Josephine Armar, won Best Actress for her role in the film at the Columbia Film Festival 2022.
Currently an Associate Producer/Editor for National Geographic, BaNikongo tells dynamic true stories based on history, culture, science, food, and exploration. She also devotes time and energy to additional projects, which led to her becoming a Finalist in the 2023 Writers Guild Foundation Writers’ Access Support Staff Training Program.
In 2024. BaNikongo's pilot script for Wingz was named a quarterfinalist in the Big Break Screenwriting Competition, Los Angeles International Screenplay Awards: Diversity Initiative (VIII); the Filmatic Inroads Fellowship, Creative Screenwriting Pilot Screenplay Competition; and NexTV Writing & Pitch Competition. Wingz was also an official selection for the SoCal Film Awards.
BaNikongo’s says that her creative style is influenced by Issa Rae, Phoebe Waller-Bridge, Michael DiMartino, Bryan Konietzko, and Michelle and Robert King. Her passion for storytelling expands to all aspects of media, working as a freelance writer, director, producer, interviewer, and actor.
