ABOUT US
Learn more about our work
Mission Statement
At the Creative Futures Institute (CFI), we believe creativity and technology are powerful tools for empowerment and change. Our mission is to provide accessible, high-quality education in filmmaking, acting, digital marketing, and AI adaptation to communities that have historically been excluded from these opportunities. Through hands-on training, mentorship, and innovative programs, we aim to unlock the potential of individuals and communities, helping them tell their stories, build sustainable careers, and shape the future.
Our Vision
A world where everyone, regardless of background, has the opportunity to harness their creativity and leverage technology to build a brighter future.
Core Skills Development
Master fundamental techniques through structured learning modules taught by industry professionals.
Collaborative Projects
Apply skills in team environments that mirror real-world production scenarios and creative collaboration.
Industry Mentorship
Master fundamental techniques through structured learning modules taught by industry professionals.
Career Launch
Access job placement assistance, networking opportunities, and entrepreneurship guidance.
Portfolio Building
Create professional-quality work samples that demonstrate abilities to potential employers and clients.
WHY CFI MATTERS
CFI bridges the opportunity gap by teaching adaptable, tech-driven skills essential in our evolving economy.
Closing the Skills Gap
CFI trains 100 students annually in high-demand digital industries. Our programs address critical workforce needs in rapidly evolving sectors.
Empowering Diverse Talent
We create pathways to high-paying careers for underrepresented communities. Our graduates access jobs with sustainable growth potential.
Driving Innovation
CFI develops adaptable professionals ready for technological advancement. Our alumni become leaders in digital marketing, content creation, and AI.
Our Team
Creative Future Institute was founded by a team of dedicated professionals with deep experience in filmmaking, youth development, media, and social impact work. Bringing together a unique blend of creative talent and community-centered expertise, the Institute is built on the belief that storytelling and education can transform lives and expand opportunities—especially for those whose voices are often overlooked.
Our board members and executive team collectively represent decades of work across film production, youth mentorship, human rights advocacy, digital media, and community engagement. This diverse leadership allows the Institute to bridge artistic innovation with meaningful social impact, creating programs that empower young people, elevate underrepresented narratives, and strengthen the next generation of creators.
At Creative Future Institute, creativity and purpose come together to build a brighter, more inclusive future.
Ricardo O Villalba
President
Ricardo Villalba is a longtime Washington, D.C. resident and award-winning filmmaker with nearly twenty years of experience in the film and entertainment industry. A graduate of the New York Film Academy, he founded Washington Digital Media in 2014 and has since produced more than 300 films in both English and Spanish. Before entering the film world, Ricardo spent over a decade working as a counselor supporting youth from diverse backgrounds—a role that shaped his deep commitment to mentorship, community empowerment, and human-centered storytelling.
In addition to his production work, Ricardo is a passionate educator. He founded DC Media Academy, where he teaches filmmaking, digital media, and acting, while guiding students through hands-on mentorship and real film projects. Ricardo deeply believes that underrepresented communities deserve the tools, training, and opportunities to tell their own stories—and his teaching is driven by that mission. Creating pathways for new voices is one of his greatest joys, and he sees education as an essential extension of his work as a filmmaker.
Driven by a vision to position the District of Columbia as a major filmmaking hub on par with Los Angeles and Atlanta, Ricardo is known for his authenticity, integrity, and ability to connect deeply with the people and communities behind every project.
Aysun Zeynalova Black
Executive Director
Aysun Zeynalova Black is a youth activist and human rights practitioner with extensive experience working with young people across Europe. She has held leadership roles in major youth platforms, including serving as Deputy Chairperson of the National Youth Council of Azerbaijan (NAYORA) and as a member of the Consultative Body on Membership Applications of the European Youth Forum, the world’s largest youth organization. Her professional work has taken her to Azerbaijan, Georgia, Ukraine, Kosovo, Poland, and France, where she has engaged diverse communities on issues of youth participation, equality, and human rights. She has also collaborated with multilateral institutions such as the Council of Europe and the OSCE.
Aysun has worked closely with human rights defenders and individuals facing discrimination and structural challenges, shaping her deep commitment to justice and social impact. A passionate film enthusiast, she believes in the transformative power of documentary storytelling to elevate underrepresented voices and inspire meaningful change.