Salim Akil

Director of Popular TV Shows Including "Black Lightning" & "Being Mary Jane"

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Salim Akil Biography

Salim Akil is a television and film producer, writer, and director whose breakthrough came in the late 1990s when he began working as a writer and director for the hit TV series "Soul Food," a groundbreaking drama centered on the lives of an African American family. There, he quickly worked his way up to be the program's executive producer.

Akil is perhaps most recognized for his work on the CW/BET series "The Game," UPN's "Girlfriends" and BET's "Being Mary Jane," all of which he produced and directed alongside his wife, Mara Brock Akil. Their collaboration became one of the most influential partnerships in television, creating shows that centered on Black experiences and often portrayed complex, dynamic African American characters.

In 2018, Akil expanded his reach with "Black Lightning," a DC Comics-based drama that marked the first Black-led superhero show on the CW. As showrunner, executive producer and occasional director, Akil brought fresh perspectives to the genre, intertwining elements of social justice, race, and family dynamics into the narrative, which earned widespread praise. In 2021, Akil confirmed a spin-off of "Black Lightning" entitled "Painkiller" was in production.

Beyond television, Akil has also directed and produced films such as "Jumping the Broom," which explored the intersection of class and culture in a Black family setting. The film was nominated for a BET Award for Best Movie; he also won an NAACP Image Award for Outstanding Director in a Motion Picture for the film that same year. He also directed and co-produced a remake of the musical film "Sparkle." Akil began his career with the 1998 film "Drylongso," which centers on a young black photography student and deals with numerous issues relating to race, gender and identity. The feature, which he co-wrote, played at the Sundance Film and Berlin Film Festivals.

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Speaker profile last updated by AAE Talent Team on 07/01/2024.

Salim Akil Videos

  • ATX Festival Panel: A Conversation with Mara Brock Akil & Salim ...
  • BLACK LIGHTNING at SDCC 2017 | Salim Akil and Mara Brock Akil ...

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  • What topics does Salim Akil speak about?

    Salim Akil is a keynote speaker and industry expert whose speaking topics include Acting, Black Heritage, Celebrity, Entertainers, Entertainment, Television & Film.
  • Where does Salim Akil travel from?

    Salim Akil generally travels from an undisclosed location, but can be booked for private corporate events, personal appearances, keynote speeches, or other performances. For more details, please contact an AAE Booking agent.
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Salim Akil is a keynote speaker and industry expert who speaks on a wide range of topics . The estimated speaking fee range to book Salim Akil for your event is available upon request. Salim Akil generally travels from and can be booked for (private) corporate events, personal appearances, keynote speeches, or other performances. Similar motivational celebrity speakers are Ava DuVernay, Issa Rae, Winston Duke, Millicent Shelton and Cynthia Erivo. Contact All American Speakers for ratings, reviews, videos and information on scheduling Salim Akil for an upcoming live or virtual event.

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