Monday, December 1, 2025
(WASHINGTON, D.C.) – The award-winning DC Office of Cable Television, Film, Music, and Entertainment (OCTFME) is proud to recognize filmmaker Silas Oluyole as its December 2025 Filmmaker of the Month, honoring a visionary storyteller whose work continues to elevate the creative landscape of the nation’s capital. A native Washingtonian who spent his early childhood in South Nigeria, Silas discovered his passion for filmmaking at a young age. After returning to DC in 1991, he launched his career as a Production Assistant on a BET field set - an experience that sparked a lifelong commitment to mastering every aspect of the craft. He later enrolled in Howard University’s renowned Film, Television, and Radio program, where mentorships with cinematic icons including Bill Duke, Haile Gerima, and Kwesi Fante helped shape his artistic voice.
“Silas Oluyole is a powerful storyteller whose work reflects the heart, soul, and resilience of Washington, DC,” says LaToya Foster, OCTFME Director and DC Film Commissioner. “His commitment to the craft and his ability to capture humanity with such depth make him an extraordinary asset to our creative community. We are proud to honor him as our December Filmmaker of the Month.”
In 2018, Silas founded Linear Films, a full-service production company through which he has directed short films, documentaries, commercial opens, live broadcasts, and public service announcements. His award-winning short film “The Color of My Mother” earned Howard University’s Paul Robeson Award for Best Production presented by Spike Lee. His body of work includes projects such as OBA/King, Cedella, Straight Crankin’ Go-Go, and numerous independent films shot on 16mm, Super 16, and 35mm.
Silas is also a skilled screenwriter, with several projects, including “The Darkness in the Light,” “A Turtle’s Dream,” “Blue Dimension,” “Lena,” and “Cedella” - advancing toward production. His latest short film “Cedella” premieres this month, and his upcoming feature “The Darkness in the Light” is now in pre-production.
“I am truly humbled and honored to be recognized by OCTFME. I share this honor with peers who believe in the same ideals that have shaped me as a filmmaker,” said Silas. “Film has always been more than art to me, it is inspiration, healing, and human connection. I look forward to continuing to create here in the District and capturing the beauty of what lies beneath our surface during these historic times.”
Silas is a proud graduate of Howard University, where he majored in Radio, Film & Television and minored in Performing Arts - an experience that solidified his passion for screenwriting, directing, and cinematography. He is a member of Kodak Motion Pictures.
Film Credits
DP: Straight Crankin’ Documentary, A Place in Time, OBA/King, Cedella
Television DP: We Are Washington, The 202, Q&A Café
Click HERE to catch Silas’ exclusive DC Radio interview on Monday, December 1, 2025 at 12:00 pm ET available on our SoundCloud, Apple Podcasts, Spotify.
To learn more about Silas, follow him on IG @Linearfilmsdc. And check out The Darkness in the Light Interview and The Darkness in the Light movie trailer. He can also be reached by email at [email protected].
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About FILMMAKER OF THE MONTH
The Office of Cable Television, Film, Music, and Entertainment (OCTFME) launched the “Filmmaker of the Month” initiative as a vehicle for highlighting the talents and creative contributions of filmmakers that make the District of Columbia their home. The “Filmmaker of the Month” initiative is part of OCTFME’s mission to elevate the national and international profile of the District’s talented filmmakers.
The Office of Cable Television, Film, Music, and Entertainment (OCTFME) launched the “Filmmaker of the Month” initiative as a vehicle for highlighting the talents and creative contributions of filmmakers that make the District of Columbia their home. The “Filmmaker of the Month” initiative is part of OCTFME’s mission to elevate the national and international profile of the District’s talented filmmakers.
***If you know of a filmmaker that would make a great future “Filmmaker of the Month,” please send OCTFME recommendations using this nomination form.
About OCTFME
The Office of Cable Television, Film, Music and Entertainment (OCTFME), an award-winning District of Columbia Government agency, leads the city’s extensive efforts to build and support a sustainable film, music, and entertainment creative economy and labor market. Additionally, OCTFME serves as the city’s cable television service provider regulator and as the customer service hub for cable subscribers.
OCTFME’s extensive portfolio includes:
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The District’s government cable access channels District Council Channel (D.C.C), the District of Columbia Network (D.C.N), and the District Knowledge Network (DKN)
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D.C. Radio (96.3 HD4), OCTFME’s owned and operated digital radio station, in partnership with Howard University’s WHUR.
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District of Columbia Entertainment Network (D.C.E), OCTFME’s 24-hour streaming platform available worldwide on ROKU, Apple TV, and Amazon Fire TV as well as iPhone and Android mobile devices (download the D.C.E Network App or at D.C.ENetwork.com).
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The handling of all of the District’s filmmaker production needs including permits, city services, and logistical support, job placement assistance, workforce development and the D.C. Film, Television, and Entertainment Rebate Fund (D.C. Rebate Fund).
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Providing additional support to the creative community through the Creative Affairs Office (CAO) and Mayor Muriel Bowser Presents: 202Creates initiative. CAO showcases and preserves the District of Columbia’s rich creative communities throughout all 8 Wards.
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