Meet Anatola
About Anatola Araba
Recently named Forbes 30 Under 30 in Art, Anatola Araba is a creative technologist, futurist, and founder of her studio, Reimagine Story Lab. Raised in New York City, Anatola earned a BFA from NYU Tisch School of the Arts and an MFA in Art and Technology from CalArts.
Her films and multimedia creations have been exhibited at the MoMA and she recently made history when her art was sent to space on NASA's first Moon mission since 1972. The project, "Afro Algorithms," was a 3D animated short film in the Afrofuturist genre that explored artificial intelligence and bias.
Creative Roots
For as long as I can remember, I have been an artist. Even as a child, rather than filling my free time with legos and television, I immersed myself in elaborate creative endeavors, setting the stage for a life dedicated to artistic exploration.
New York Made
Growing up in the heart of New York City nurtured my inherent creativity, ambitious nature, and fierce independence. Here, I was a champion competitive gymnast, took youth filmmaking workshops, and was in teen art classes that evolved into my artworks being exhibited at the MoMA in NYC.
Guided by a North Star
My mother inspired me to be unapologetic in the pursuit of your north star. After all, she was a professor of African-American Literature at Harvard and Yale Universities. However, she walked away from this career to pursue her calling of being, an an intuitive guide, writer, and healer. This bold example of following your dreams has led me to believe it’s possible to do the same.
Academic Flourishing
I graduated from NYU Tisch School of the Arts, where I studied Film and Television Production with a double minor in Interactive Media Arts and Social Entrepreneurship. I went on to earn a Masters in Art and Technology with a concentration in Integrated Media from California Institute of the Arts. These studies laid the foundation for my transmedia artistic practice and entrepreneurial drive.
A Voice in AI and Emerging Media
I wrote, directed, and produced the award-winning film, Afro Algorithms. This 3D animated short in the Afrofuturist genre explores the topics of AI and bias. The story has resonated globally, screening at Lincoln Center in New York and in London Nigeria, Sweden, and more. My writing has been published in ELLE and Harper’s BAZAAR, where I have interviewed icons from Kerry Washington to The Matrix’s Carrie Anne Moss.
Global Speaker and Thought Leader
I have spoken four times at the United Nations, Afrotech, SXSW, as well as leading Universities across the country. I’ve spoken on stages with prominent figures such as Elizabeth Gilbert and Malcolm Gladwell. I use my voice to inspire and inform audiences about how to access innovation and shape the future for the better.
Innovation at Scale
In 2022, I founded Reimagine Story Lab, a creative agency where stories of innovation meet cutting-edge technology. We have partnered with giants like Snapchat, Google, and leading museums to engage audiences through immersive experiences that redefine storytelling.
My Mission
My work is not just about telling stories; it's about igniting change, healing, and reimagining our world’s potential. Through my creations, I am committed to building a more sustainable, equitable, and imaginative future. I stand guided by the North Star of creating impactful projects that inform, enchant, and inspire.