Biografia
Dolapo Erinkitola is an incisive arts philanthropist, doting father, and the quintessential businessman. Bearing a name defined as "to bring wealth together", As a veteran supporter of the arts, with several years' experience in artist management, six years as a restaurateur and three as a film producer, Dolapo is no stranger to stepping out of an entrepreneurial comfort zone. Despite his modest beginnings as a Research Doctor in clinical trials, he has gone on to open his own restaurants and produce award-winning films. Much of Dolapo's business acumen has allowed him to hold several esteemed positions, including: (former) President of the 100 Black Men of North Metro Atlanta, Vice President of a major pharmaceuticals company, owner of Blu Lagoon Bar and Bistro, Havana Cigar Lounge, high-level memberships with several nonprofit arts organizations, and CEO of Dolapo E. Productions. Dolapo, along with his nine siblings, was raised by his Nigerian parents who emigrated to the United States in the 1960s. His father worked as an Electrical Engineer while his mother took care of home. Both of his parents instilled the importance of higher education and cultural alignment throughout Dolapo's young life. When his parents divorced and his mother returned to Nigeria, Dolapo's family experienced financial hardship and homelessness due to his father's struggle with depression. Dolapo went on to earn multiple degrees, including pursuing a PhD. He insists that his experiences made him more passionate about empathy, gratitude, and patience with others. Dolapo's passion and ambition caused him to take the film community by storm. He is co-owner of So Amazing Studios along with Jennifer Pessima, where they select projects that will have positive cultural impact. Dolapo's solo production company, Dolapo E. Productions, is on a mission to create content that highlights various facets of everyday life, including the BET original hit movie, Karen (2021), Scheme Queens (2022), an official selection of the American Black Film Festival, and the upcoming film Waterboyz (2022), a film highlighting the experiences of young Georgia entrepreneurs known as 'water boys'. Dolapo continues to curate safe and inclusive spaces for artists and future entrepreneurs and seeks to bring his rich experience to the table to help others realize their full potential as filmmakers, business owners, and leaders.
