Felixmasi Photography: Humanitarian Photography/Documentary

19/11/2025

What an honor to hear the Kenyan national anthem at the White House.

14/11/2025

I was truly inspired to be part of America's largest documentary film festival in Manhattan, New York, New York! The pitching session was my absolute favorite and getting to engage and interact with the audience was uplifting. This being the 16th edition of DOC NYC was a showcase to the power of storytelling and its ability to transform lives. There's always more to learn given the rapid change, the spirit of storytelling and getting to engage about a collection of films that speak to urgent global, national and personal stories is a true source of inspiration. This year was one of my most transformative years in my journey behind the lens, telling stories about Africa, about us and changing the narrative, a reason why Africans must tell their own stories and share their experiences with the world. DOC NYC also has a history of predicting Oscar nominees and winners, which is a true testament to its impact and influence. While I missed the deadline for submitting my story pitch, I had the honor of contributing among incredible creatives and respected filmmakers in the industry, which was an incredible learning experience and a chance to grow. This year I directed and produced two award-winning short documentary films, African Women Rising and Finding Solace, Finding Strength and it was humbling to introduce myself and share about my films, the success, take action/impact and the next project! The next chapter is not complete, stay tuned and support my work, support creatives, and let's continue to uplift each other and inspire one another. All the films pitched today were powerful, but my top favorite was the Anatomy of Life by the incredible Emma Francis-Snyder, a New York-based trailblazer and a true inspiration. Her directorial debut, Takeover, was nominated for a News and Documentary Emmy and shortlisted for an Academy Award. Emma's film about her late father is truly powerful, as she shared her up-close and personal experience of struggling with dementia, rekindled my childhood loss, I didn’t intend to make her cry, a moment that moved many in the audience to tears. Emma's story is a testament to the human spirit and deserves a global audience, as it is a poignant tale of love, tragedy, and hope that will uplift and inspire all who see it. Being honored and awarded the Best short-documentary film, 2025 New York International film festival, Paris Women Cinfest, London, Santa Monica International filmmaker award and many more was like a dream come true and a true validation of my hard work and dedication! We are not yet. Thank you DOC NYC y'all creatives and committed who give us hope.

07/11/2025

Nothing breaks beyond repair. Yesterday, I visited the University of Maryland to see my dear friend from Uganda, Victoria Merab Akinyi. I would like to share a story about how we met. We were almost two weeks into our stay in a new city, Kampala, Uganda, where the bodas (Uber Riders) were chaotic, like a disorganized puzzle, but I had to adapt and adjust to the new order. Fast forward, I saw a woman wearing a beautiful African outfit outside Caramel coffee shop and asked if she was the designer, but she kindly shared the designer's contact information.
What happens when you engage with people in a new country is that you connect and discover more. To summarize, when I met Victoria, I was impressed by her design space and presentation. Victoria shared her story and her cause with me, and I understood her passion. She asked if I could be her mentor, the same year, Victoria was fortunate to seize numerous opportunities. Victoria holds a master's degree in fine arts, is a 2023 Mandela Washington Fellow and a 2025 Global Peace-Worker Fellow at UMBC, where she is studying for a Masters in Community Leadership.

30/10/2025

Last Sunday marked the closure of the busiest Goodwill location in the country, situated in Northern Virginia. This Goodwill store, commonly known as the Greater Area Goodwill along N. Glebe Road, will temporarily shut down to pave the way for a new seven-story building. The upcoming structure will feature not only a new Goodwill store but also affordable housing units and a childcare facility.

As a self-proclaimed king of thrift, I recall visiting this location after returning from overseas tours, having accumulated more possessions than my humble abode could accommodate. I considered donating some of our belongings and was astonished to discover high-end, brand-name items donated by individuals who cared about giving back. This Goodwill store has been a haven for fashion enthusiasts and a career sanctuary. The stories of remarkable individuals who walked through its doors, including those who found employment and transformed their lives, could fill award-winning books. Oprah Winfrey once mentioned in a podcast that she was a Goodwill member before achieving success. On October 26th, Goodwill Arlington and the busiest donation center in the Washington D.C. area closed its doors. Goodwill has partnered with Affordable Homes & Communities to construct a new building, featuring 128 affordable housing units, including 94 two- and three-bedroom apartments designed for families. Photo Credit: Felix Masi ©FelixMasiPhotography
Industries International, Fashion Nova, Prada Group, Nike, Nordstrom, GOUCHE CLOTHING, adidas Foundation, Ralph Lauren, Giorgio, Armani, Jos. A. Bank Clothiers, CHANEL, louisvuittonoutletsu

21/10/2025

While documenting "No Kings" protests in Washington DC, I was privileged to meet American comedian Cliff Cash, who is hilarious and fiery. What truly inspires me, though, are the incredible people I meet, the introductions by friends that remind me of how far I've come, overcoming struggle and trauma, yes, my journey, my triumph. I could have taken a different path, but I chose to face my challenges head-on, and it's been an empowering experience, from Nyalenda to Washington DC.

19/10/2025

NO KINGS Protests in Washing DC, ©Felix Masi

02/10/2025

Paying tribute to an extraordinary woman, Dr. Jane Goodall, the world learned invaluable lessons from her remarkable journey, though COVID lockdown hindered our chance to see her here in Washington DC, we were fortunate to have a one-on-one encounter two years ago during our mission in Uganda. May her enduring legacy inspire countless others across borders, illuminating their paths. May her memory be a blessing.

15/09/2025

I'm deeply humbled to be featured alongside phenomenal creatives, dedicated artists and changemakers to co-create impactful art, share inspiring stories and films and collaborate to drive meaningful action on Climate and make justice a reality. Come join us and experience the transformative power of purpose and the significance of Climate Action and community celebration in New York City on the 21st, 34th avenue and 77th street, Jackson Heights, Queens, New York City. Justice Normal #

11am-4pm, Kaleidospace & More Join us for an micro-theater featuring short films on climate justice and local stories, including work by Queens filmmakers.

11/09/2025

I'm thrilled to share that African Women Rising was selected to be featured in this year's world Movie awards in Los Angeles, California. The World Movie Awards is a prestigious international event that honors the best and brightest in the film industry. This iconic celebration gathers groundbreaking storytellers and artists, offering them a platform to connect, inspire, and be recognized for their contributions to cinema.

31/08/2025

Please share with any youth who may want to participate. Washington DC, Maryland and Virginia!

SUBMIT FOR FREE NOW!!!!!!!

The Anacostia Youth Media Festival is one of the first youth-directed festivals in the DC area organized and held in the Anacostia Neighborhood of Washington, DC. The two-day event will feature a DC Youth Media competition screening and workshops. Youth ages 5 to 18 are encouraged to submit. SUBMISSION AND FESTIVAL ATTENDANCE IS FREE TO THE PUBLIC!
https://filmfreeway.com/AnacostiaYouthMediaFestival

Festival will be held on September 21 and 22, 2024 at the Smithsonian Anacostia Community Museum: 1901 Fort Place SE, DC 20020

OPEN TO ALL YOUTH FROM 5 TO 18 IN THE DC, MARYLAND AND VIRGINIA VICINITY. PLEASE SHARE!!!!

The Anacostia Youth Media Festival is among the first youth-directed festivals in the DC area organized and held in the Anacostia Neighborhood of Washington,...

29/08/2025

I'm thrilled to announce that I'll be collaborating with a group of visionary artists and humanitarians for a groundbreaking social justice initiative, 2025 Street Works Earth! Secure your tickets for New York City!

Recently, Felix has worked in Kenya, South Africa, Angola, Uganda, Ethiopia, Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), Burundi, Republic of Congo Brazzaville, and Tanzania, among others. A recipient of several international awards in photojournalism and film, Masi participated in the Save and Protect the

28/08/2025

Fifteen years ago, I had the privilege of directing an award-winning short documentary film 'Hands of Love' by incredibly talented youth filmmakers in Kibera slums, Nairobi, Kenya, made possible by the support of Adobe Youth Voices and Listen Up! In New York City. Our film 'Hands of Love' premiered at the prestigious Lincoln Memorial Center in Manhattan, San Jose California, and later in London, with two of the filmmakers experiencing their first flight and visiting New York City from Kibera. The journey from Kibera slums to New York City and London is a testament to the power of perseverance and determination. As the saying goes, "a prophet is not recognized at home" but it's crucial we continue sharing our stories. This year, I had the honor of directing, filming, and producing two multiple award-winning short documentary films 'African Women Rising' and 'Finding Solace, Finding Strength. News ALERT! I will be collaborating with other exceptional talents and skills in New York City for an extraordinary project. Stay tuned!