OCTFME RECOGNIZES KAYLA ORLANDO AS THE JANUARY 2026 FILMMAKER OF THE MONTH

Washington, D.C. - The District of Columbia Office of Cable Television, Film, Music, and Entertainment (OCTFME) is proud to recognize filmmaker Kayla Orlando as the January 2026 Filmmaker of the Month, a natural storyteller whose creative journey evolved into screenwriting and filmmaking where she discovered a deep passion for telling authentic Black stories that reflect culture, community, and complexity.

Originally from Cleveland, Ohio, Kayla is a writer, director, and producer whose creative journey began through writing as a form of self-expression. She published her debut book "My Short Guide to Getting Your S*** Together," which explored personal growth and resilience.

"Kayla Orlando represents the next wave of powerful storytellers shaping Washington, D.C.'s creative landscape," said LaToya Foster, OCTFME Director and DC Film Commissioner. "Her fearless commitment to authentic Black narratives reflects the heart of our city's film community...bold, unapologetic, and rooted in culture. Kayla's voice strengthens DC's growing presence as a national entertainment hub, and we are proud to honor her as our Filmmaker of the Month."

After graduating from Willoughby South High School, Kayla pursued a career in government contracting while continuing to nurture her creative pursuits. In 2022, she relocated to Washington, D.C., where the idea for her breakout series, "Welcome to Chocolate City" was born.

"Welcome to Chocolate City" is an interactive Black drama series that has garnered over 50K views on YouTube. The series stands out for its unique approach - allowing the audience to shape the story by voting in the comments and directly influence the storyline, with new episodes filmed based on viewer feedback. Kayla is working on Season 2.

Driven by her love for black culture and storytelling, Kayla continues to expand her creative catalog with several projects in development, "Caddy Girls" - a heist story in collaboration with Mass Comm Guru Productions and inspired by "Set If Off" and "4 Love Letters" - a series that tells the story of four women who are friends and represent who Kayla has been and endured in her life. Kayla's work is defined by authenticity, innovation, and a deep commitment to representing stories of color with heart and intention.

"Being recognized as Filmmaker of the Month in Washington, D.C. is deeply meaningful to me. As someone who isn't originally from here, it's an incredible feeling to be embraced by as city with such a rich, creative, and powerful Black culture. D.C. has a heartbeat of its own - full of stories, ambition, and artistry - and to have my work recognized here reminds me that storytelling transcends where you're from. I'm proud to represent Black creators who are carving out spaces for our narratives to be seen and celebrated," said Kayla.

Kayla credits her creative education to studying the work of iconic Black storytellers such as Spike Lee, Ice Cube, John Singleton, Shonda Rhimes and more, along with watching classic movies and television shows to understand visual storytelling.

DC Radio Interview: Airdate/Time: January 24, 2026 at 12:00 p.m. ET
• (Interview Link: Click Here)

Film Credits
• Writer/Director/1st AD - "Welcome to Chocolate City"

Connect with the Filmmaker
• Instagram: @Kaylaorlando23
• Trailers: https://www.youtube.com/@WelcomeToChocolateCity
• Email: [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.

***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:

• 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)
• D.C. Radio (96.3 HD4), OCTFME's owned and operated digital radio station, in partnership with Howard University's WHUR.
• 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).
• 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).
• 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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