What connects a grandmother’s bedtime tale, a global blockbuster, and a viral Instagram reel? In this captivating TEDx talk, Gayathiri Guliani—film distributor, storyteller, and industry trailblazer—invites you on a cinematic journey through time, culture, and technology to reveal one simple truth: you are the story.From ancient myths and shadow plays to Oscar-winning Indian films and AI-driven cinema, Gayathiri traces the timeless thread of storytelling that shapes who we are and how we see the world. Drawing from her personal path—rising as one of the few women in film distribution—she explores how stories transcend language, redefine culture, and inspire generations.With warmth, wonder, and wisdom, this talk blends nostalgia, global insight, and a futuristic lens on storytelling—from the reel to the real and back again. Whether you’re behind the screen or watching one, this talk will remind you that storytelling isn’t just about the past or future—it’s about claiming your voice in the present.Because in the end, the most powerful story is the one you choose to tell. With over 25 years in the industry, she has forged impactful partnerships with Sony Pictures, Disney Star, Reliance, Viacom, and Lionsgate. As a consultant with Lionsgate, she produced the first-ever Taiwan-India co-production, Demon Hunters, under her banner Kleos in China, Taiwan, South Korea, Morocco, Spain, Egypt, and Russia, where she was recently honored by the Cultural Minister.Her accolades include Global Woman Leader, L'Oréal’s Wonder Women, and Women of Excellence. She is a distinguished participant in high-profile forums like Digital Davos and a regular speaker at prestigious industry events.As a consultant with Lionsgate, she produced the first-ever Taiwan-India co-production, Demon Hunters, under her banner Kleos Entertainment Group, featured as one of the top projects from Taiwan at Cannes 2024 This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at https://www.ted.com/tedx
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- 16:16How your community can help you live better | Kiyomi Rollins | TEDxCollierHeightsA passionate call to reclaim collective care as a radical act of community survival. Drawing from her lived experience and cooperative work in Atlanta, Rollins explores how mutual aid, shared resources, and ancestral wisdom can dismantle cycles of isolation and scarcity. This talk centers the power of everyday people to build systems rooted in love, sustainability, and interdependence. With honesty and urgency, Rollins reminds us that in a world that often leaves us to fend for ourselves, community isn’t just a safety net—it’s a lifeline. Kiyomi Rollins is a community based social impact entrepreneur based in the historical community of Southwest Atlanta.For more than a decade, Kiyomi has triumphed as a Founder & CEO of several successful brands such as The Good Hair Shop, Ujamaafest Cooperative Economics Summit & The Ke’nekt Cooperative.Most recently, her role as Co-Founder + Director of The Ke’nekt Cooperative has allowed her to broaden her mission driven beliefs to include reparative community wealth principles that are rooted in Anti-Displacement strategies for legacy Black Owned Businesses. Her professional contributions have been featured in Essence, Atlanta Tribune, Atlanta Voice, Creative Loafing, Atlanta Journal Constitution & Blavity. A few highlights of past recognitions include being featured in Unsung Heroines of West End Mural, Invest Atlanta 2018 Micro-Manufacturer of the Year, City of Atlanta 2019 NPU-T Neighborhood Champion & 2016-2020 American Express Small Business Neighborhood Champion. This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at https://www.ted.com/tedx
- 15:27A Place of Our Own | James Bailey | TEDxCollierHeightsThis talk traces the extraordinary legacy of Collier Heights—one of the first communities in the U.S. built by and for Black homeowners during the height of segregation. Through the story of visionaries like Mr. Russell and the collective determination of Black Atlantans, the speaker illuminates how ownership—of land, of narrative, of future—became a tool of resistance and empowerment. At its heart, The Power of Ownership is a tribute to the people who dared to dream, build, and protect a neighborhood where Black excellence could thrive. Committed to living by his personal motto, “Build As We Climb”, change agent, thought leader, entrepreneur and emerging philanthropist, James M. Bailey has dedicated his life to serving others. James serves as President and CEO of the Russell Center for Innovation and Entrepreneurship (RCIE). Honoring the great legacy and visionary business leadership of Herman J. Russell, Sr., he will lead the development of the largest center in America, driven by impact, dedicated to empowering Black entrepreneurs and small business owners; over 50,000 square feet designed to inspire ideas, create jobs, grow companies, and increase wealth in the community.An Atlanta native and die-hard Georgia Bulldog, James has a proven track record of success, recognized by 3 U.S. Presidents for his leadership and community efforts. In 2012, James was one of eight Americans honored at the White House as a “Champion of Change: Following in the Footsteps of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.” This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at https://www.ted.com/tedx
