In her talk, Scarlet Gomez emphasizes the transformative power of storytelling in film and media. Beyond entertainment, storytelling opens doors for difficult conversations, preserves cultural identity, and challenges stereotypes. She shares how stories helped her question societal norms, overcome ethnic bias, and connect with other cultures. Gomez highlights the importance of Africans telling their own stories to counter the often negative, one-sided portrayals by outsiders. She stresses that storytelling gives a voice to the unheard and urges creators to represent all sides of the African experience—not just the familiar or marketable narratives. Scarlet Oluwagbemisola Gomez is a multi-talented actress, singer, and digital media strategist from Lagos, Nigeria. With a career spanning over 80 movie and TV titles, Scarlet has captivated audiences both online and offline, earning a dedicated fanbase and establishing herself as a dynamic force in the entertainment industry. Scarlet’s journey in media began with a series of remarkable achievements, including participating in several prestigious beauty pageants such as ‘Miss United Nations’, ‘MBGN and ‘Miss Nigeria’. Her early foray into the arts also included appearances in music videos for renowned artists like Timi Dakolo and Burna Boy, as well as involvement in several brand campaigns. Scarlet’s acting credits showcase her versatility and commitment to her craft. She has graced both the big and small screens with standout performances in a variety of roles. Scarlet is deeply passionate about her work, with a keen 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