Tari Wariebi signs with ColorCreative, plot includes adaptation of 2023 Sundance short “We Were Meant To”

EXCLUSIVE: ColorCreative, the management and production company founded by Issa Rae and Deniese Davis, has signed first-generation Liberian-Nigerian filmmaker Tari Wariebi as an agent.

The signing follows the world premiere of Wariebi’s short film We were meant to be at the 2023 Sundance Film Festival, where he received a standing ovation and was nominated for the Short Film Grand Jury Prize. Pic follows Akil, an African-American teenager with wings and one goal: make his first flight.

Wariebi has announced that with the support of ColorCreative, he will now attempt to adapt the short film into a feature film that follows a black man as he faces his fears, insecurities and social barriers as he discovers his perfect start to manhood in a world where black men have wings and their first flight is a rite of passage.

“We were meant to be was the final premiere for Sundance’s short film category and it was remarkable to see how the film moved audiences,” said executive producer and manager James Shani. “Tari is a filmmaker with a specific perspective and a strong belief in who he wants to be as a storyteller. This short film is just the beginning of what he will do and I am excited to work with our team at ColorCreative to bring his voice to the world.”

Wariebi added that “Premiere We were meant to be at Sundance was sensational. The audience response was exceptional and I couldn’t be more excited to work with ColorCreative and the shared vision we have for my career. James Shani is passionate and connected to the stories I tell and the perfect addition to my team. My plan has always been to expand the world and the story We were meant to beand it’s exciting to connect with potential partners who desperately need to see this feature.”

Wariebi previously directed several episodes of the digital series acquired by BET situation shipsas well as other short films such as After that we didn’t talk anymore and Leave us hereboth were released in 2020. Most recently, he was a WeScreenplay finalist and quarter-finalist in the Slamdance screenplay competition – and directed the pilot for WarnerMedia. Recallstarring Bernard David Jones, which was acquired by Berlanti Productions.

ColorCreative was founded in 2014 and is led by President Talitha Watkins. ColorCreative’s mission is to support diverse creators and produce content that empowers underrepresented groups. The company’s other notable clients include actor Affion Crockett, chef and entrepreneur Alisa Reynolds, author Chris Sanford, DJ and entrepreneur Derrick “D-Nice” Jones, director Giselle Bailey, showrunner Kendra Jordan, director Lawrence Lamont, producer Lyn Sisson- Talbert, En Rap Sh!t Showrunner Syreeta Singleton to name a few.