Meet the Founder

Daouda Zalle holds a BA in Communication and Multimedia from California State University, East Bay, and an MFA in Film from Ohio University. With a rich background in social impact filmmaking, Daouda has collaborated with U.S. Embassies in Burkina Faso to teach filmmaking to underserved youth and partnered with USC’s School of Cinematic Arts and the American Film Showcase on similar initiatives.

He has produced impactful films in Burkina Faso and Niger for the U.S. Department of Peace and USAID and has traveled extensively across Africa, Europe, and the USA for his work. Currently, Daouda serves as an Adjunct Film Editing Instructor at Columbia College Hollywood. He has also mentored students through the Latino Film Institute and provided media instruction at Ohio Media School.

As the founder of Willpower Initiatives, Daouda combines his expertise in cinematography and editing to create meaningful content for both local and international organizations.

Born into a humble family in a small West African village, Daouda has defied the odds and risen through sheer determination and relentless hard work. Guided by an unshakable belief in the transformative power of "will + power" as the ultimate driver of success, he founded Willpower Initiatives—a testament to his unwavering commitment to inspiring others to achieve greatness against all challenges.

People we partner with

Located just a few miles away from Hollywood and  working collaboratively with students and professors at Columbia College Hollywood, University of Southern California, the Latino Film Institute, we have access to the finest minds in the industry.