FILM ON PRODUCTION NOW!
I am an Ethiopian-German artist, actress and filmmaker based in Berlin, Germany. My work is rooted in storytelling, perspective and the power of representation.
Through film, performance and creative collaboration, I seek to challenge conventional narratives, shift perspectives and create space for voices and stories that have long remained underrepresented.
As an advocate for intersectional diversity in media and an educator at universities, I am committed to shaping a more inclusive, progressive and imaginative cultural landscape.
I believe in stories that move people, challenge perceptions and expand what is possible.
Changing the frame. Expanding the story.
BENITA BAILEY
IS EXPANDING THE STORY
Jabeza Films wins the "Diversity in Media Award" at the 16th emotion Awards 2026 in Munich
ACTING
Incredibly diverse interest meets a rebellious voice and a tendency to be more of a natural beauty – ready to inspire the future of Germany’s and Canada’s acting world.
Find her on screen:
as a guest artist in season 2 of WHERE IS WANDA on Apple TV
starring as Gundula in DOPPELHAUSHÄLFTE on Netflix
starring as Frau Saby in ECHT FRIENDS on ZDF MEDIATHEK
starring as lead Caro Lacher in "Die Pflegionärin" at ARD-Mediathek
CREATING
#videopodcast
#Yell It From The Mountain is a show featuring Black artists of the performing arts. Since the death of George Floyd and the revival of the BLACK LIVES MATTER movement, the discussion about racism and structural racism has globally been reignited. As much as these discussions are necessary as artists we need to have a safe space where we can talk freely about our art without having to explain world order issues that continuously allow for our oppression.
#Yellit season 5 is out - the anniversary season is coming to your city in form of a live podcast. Season 5 was launched at the Dortmundgoesblack Festival 2025. The most recent screenings took place at the Africa Filmfest in Cologne and at Ballhaus Prinzenallee in Berlin.
#diasporakidz
Diasporakidz is a Canadian collective of performing artists Sarah Rossy and Benita Bailey who came together digitally to create a new piece with the working title "No one knows yet"
With the support of the MAI and grounded in Diane Roberts Arrivals Legacy Project the collective has created an environment for the voices and the stories of their ancestors to not only emerge from them but also mingle with each other. Through these stories a new piece linking their past, present and future will be created. While doing so Diasporakidz will be implementing and testing out real and practical ways of decolonizing not only ideas of performance, from the rehearsal hall to the stage, but most importantly of themselves.
The stage debut took place at 17.7.2025 at is called "Ancestral Supper" at Ballhaus Prinzenallee in Berlin.
The collective plans to continue its works in Canada in 2027.
SPEAKING
With a voice that captivates and a presence that inspires, Benita Bailey brings depth, energy, and authenticity to every stage and microphone she touches.
As a speaker, she inspires with powerful storytelling and thought-provoking insights.
As a moderator, she fosters meaningful conversations with warmth and clarity.
As a voice-over artist, she brings narratives to life with nuance and emotion.
Whether on stage, behind the mic, or in the heart of conversation, Benita Bailey embodies the power of voice and the art of connection.
Most recent engagements:
Moderation for "Deutscher Friedensfilmpreis - Die Brücke" (since June 2025)
Moderation for Ogilvy Event (March 2025)
EDUCATING
Lecturer at UDK Berlin, Fine Arts (Winter Semester 2026/27)
Diversity Consultant for Audible Germany (since 2024)
Lecturer at UDK, Berlin, Performing Arts (SoSe 2024)
Lecturer at UDK Berlin, Studium Generale (SoSe 2024)
Lecturer at MetFilmschool Berlin & Leeds, BA Acting (2023)
Lecture/Workshop at Hamburg Media School (2023)
Lecturer at Macromedia University Cours Florent Berlin, Basics Seminar Acting (2021)
Guest Lecturer at Ludwig-Maximillians-University Munich, Dramaturgy (2021)
Guest Lecturer at Filmakademie Ludwigsburg (2021 & 2022)
Co-facilitator assisting Diane Roberts @ CREAM, University of Westminster, UK & Concordia University Montreal (2021)
Workshop Facilitator, Advisor & Speaker on the topic of Diversity in Film (since 2020)
The Spirits of our Ancestors
Eleven-year-old Arazay, a Black girl growing up in an increasingly authoritarian rural society, watches a children‘s game turn into a violent hunt — until the spirits of her ancestors appear and give her the power to resist. (short, in development with funding from Bavarian Filmfund)
The Visible Ones
Two sisters grow up in World War II and their fates could not be more different, what unites them is the fight for survival.
(feature, in development with funding from Bavarian Filmfund)
I'm a Woman
“I’m a Woman” won the cell phone short film competition of Pro Quote Regie at the Berlinale 2017. The task was to deal with the topics sexism, racism and homophobia in 2-3 minutes.
