Film reviews
“The Lifting,” directed by Elizabeth Ayodele, is a drama that explores personal and career challenges faced by a scientist, political officials, and a reporter during a pandemic, incorporating Christian values. The film was been nominated for Best USA Film at the Toronto International Nollywood Film Festival, highlighting its impactful storytelling.
– Sahara Reporters
Early Childhood
Dr. Elizabeth Oluwafunmi Ayodele, JD, was born on October 8th, 1978 in Ibadan, Oyo State, Nigeria to Michael Bamikunle and Regina Abimbola Ayodele. She attended primary school in Nigeria before moving to the United States for middle school and high school. She attended Gililland Middle School and Tempe High School. At Tempe High School, she played the clarinet for the school band and played on the school tennis team.
An avid reader from a young age, Elizabeth began reading around the age of four and began writing her own stories around the age of seven. She continued her passion for writing through high school and wrote several short stories. During high school she participated in Tempe Teen Court – a youth court based on the restorative justice model where teen volunteers take on legal roles and hear the testimony of real teen defendants, often deciding the consequences of their violations.
After high school Elizabeth studied Economics at Cornell University in Ithaca, New York, USA, and later studied Law at Pepperdine University in Malibu, California, USA.
Early Career
After passing the Arizona bar exam, Elizabeth worked as an attorney in the Phoenix area for Ayodele Legal Group, a law firm specializing in litigation defense, consumer matters, small business, and landlord-tenant law. Elizabeth also continued writing, producing music, and began acting while practicing law.
In 2004, Elizabeth released her first music CD, with seven songs, titled “funmi [lost trail revisited]”. In 2005, she released another CD called the same name, this time with four songs. In 2014, she began making narrative films, creating a short film called “Fifteen Days” about an experimental foray to another planet after the earth had become uninhabitable.
Accomplishments
In 2018, Elizabeth wrote, directed, and starred in the film Orange Sky Grace, a narrative film that explores the personal and emotional struggles of its characters, focusing on themes of hope and resilience. The film delves into the lives of individuals facing various challenges, highlighting their journeys toward finding grace and redemption. The film earned several awards and was a finalist at the Nevada International Film Festival, was featured at the Davis Greater Bay Area International Film Festival, and the Utah Film Festival. The film also received awards at the Toronto International Nollywood Film Festival.
In the Spring of 2019, she then wrote a script based on a dystopian premise with a virus epidemic at the center of the story. The film was titled The Lifting and was completed in 2020.
Throughout her life, Elizabeth had a passion for books, writing, music, justice, and God.
News & Recognition:
The Lifting – 2020
Elizabeth Ayodele stars in “The Lifting,” a film that explores themes of resilience and personal growth as characters navigate their struggles and relationships. The story focuses on their journey towards self-discovery and healing.
– BroadwayWorld
Orange Sky Grace (Ransomed) – 2017
Lydia witnesses a deadly hit and run accident and confronts the perpetrator to proselytize to him about God. He takes her captive and mayhem begins. She gets more than she bargained for. She exhibits faith and resolve in facing challenges.
– Rotten Tomatoes (89%)
