Ado Ato Pictures
In ancient Yoruba folktales, there is particular wonder around “Ado Ato,” or containers of magical spells. In this spirit, Ado Ato Pictures creates multidimensional stories that transform our world—through film, animation, TV, and immersive technologies.
An Emmy-Award-winning studio and collective with roots in Los Angeles and Amsterdam, we have a global reach and impact. Working with creatives and changemakers in the arts, technology, and more on five continents, we practice interdisciplinary storytelling that challenges colonial tropes and uplifts historically marginalized voices.
Our award-winning work has been seen in theaters, in-home entertainment, installations, and activations around the world. We’ve been commissioned and exhibited our work at major festivals and museums, like the Tribeca Film Festival and the MoMA in New York, we have partnered with the Sundance Institute, Netflix, PBS FRONTLINE, and others. Outlets such as Vogue, Forbes, and The Guardian have named us leaders in the field.
Ado Ato Pictures is led by interdisciplinary artist, filmmaker, and technologist Tamara Shogaolu. She is the first Black Latinx woman to lead a major studio focused on animation and technology.
Our work
Anouschka
When your song is silenced, how do you rekindle your magic in the world? Join Anouschka, a teenage violin prodigy, as she rediscovers her city, her family history, and ultimately herself.
Where There is Light
The need to recalibrate, reflect, and center mental wellness after uncertain years drove artist Tamara Shogaolu to develop WHERE THERE IS LIGHT. Inspired by the practice of forest bathing and by the Panamanian rainforest, WHERE THERE IS LIGHT is an interactive installation that merges mental wellness with nature through technology by allowing visitors to immerse themselves in a rainforest.
Un(re)solved AR Installation
Un(re)solved tells the stories of civil rights era cold cases and families still searching for justice.
Queer in time of a forced migration
Multi-Platform Project (Film, VR Experience, & Web Interactive) Follow the journeys of LGBTQ refugees from the Middle East across continents and cultures—from the 2011 Revolutions to the world today. Animated Transmedia Series consisting Another Dream, Half a Life and They Call Me Asylum Seeker.
Ado Ato Interactive
Ado Ato Interactive, the non-profit wing of our award-winning studio, harnesses the power of technology to create and enact change. Inspired by real-world issues, we strive to channel the creativity of underrepresented creators. Our boundary-pushing projects span from entertainment to education, and center people of color, LGBTQ+ communities, and others whose voices urgently need to be heard.
Bemmbé Immersive™ harnesses the power of multi-sensory technology to tell incredible stories. Bulky gadgets are discarded for the story to take center stage.
The platform can be adapted for different narratives, providing unique and meaningful experiences. The technology allows for custom audiovisual interactions, with projected visuals through infrared motion tracking and 3D spatial audio.
By allowing full story immersion, the platform grants audiences the power to collaboratively explore, interact with and participate in the narrative and deeply bond with the characters.