Mildred Okwo is a Theatre Arts graduate of the University of Benin Creative Arts Department (UNIBEN).  Following her graduation from UNIBEN in 1985, Mildred left for the United States after her youth service in 1986.  In 1993, she bagged a Juris Doctor degree from Whittier College School of Law in California and practiced Civil Rights, Employment and Entertainment Law in Los Angeles, California for several years before returning to Nigeria in 2007.

A self confessed film buff, Mildred’s love for the creative arts never waned even as she founded and operated a law firm.  In 1996, she formed Flute Afrique, a boutique record label based in Los Angeles.  However, once Nollywood blossomed, she bid her time knowing that her ultimate career goal was to produce quality films especially influenced by her African roots.

In 2004, Mildred presented family friend and film producer Ego Boyo with the first ten pages of her screenplay “30 Days”.  The idea for 30 Days was inspired by conditions Mildred observed in Nigeria, and by December 27, 2003 an article written by popular Nigerian columnist Simon Kolawale motivated Mildred to insist on writing and producing movies that gently prick the conscience of its audience.  Further, Mildred wanted to offer a better quality production to Nollywood viewers. 30 Days became her directorial and producing debut, and it received several accolades.

After 30 Days, Mildred took time off to understand the Nigerian and African cinema landscape better. Her second film titled “The Meeting” is the result of that hiatus. The meeting released in October 2012 has received and continues to receive several accolades which most recently includes Best Nigerian Feature & President Goodluck Jonathan’s award for most authentic Nigerian Feature, African International film Festival (AFRIFF) 2013.

Mildred is co-founder and managing director of film company The AUDREY SILVA COMPANY (TASC). She also manages the film careers of several Nigerian actors.