Wi-Moto Nyoka: Redefining Horror and Sci-Fi Through Inclusive Storytelling

While mainstream media often marginalizes diverse voices, Wi-Moto Nyoka is carving out a vibrant space for BIPOC artists in horror and science fiction. As the founder of Dusky Projects, Nyoka has built a creative powerhouse dedicated to producing genre content that reflects the rich complexity of underrepresented communities.

Operating since 2014 and officially launched as an LLC in 2023, Dusky Projects brings together elements of audio storytelling, immersive theater, and mixed media, all with a sharp focus on inclusivity and equity. From the acclaimed podcast, Black Women Are Scary—winner of the 2023 Ignyte Award for Best Fiction Podcast—to thought-provoking short films like Affordable Housing, Nyoka’s work is disrupting industry norms and reimagining speculative fiction for today’s audiences.

Nyoka’s journey began with a desire to see stories that resonated with her and others like her. “I was tired of being the only one in the room,” she shared in a recent interview. “I started Dusky Projects because I wanted to see dope stuff—stories that reflected my world and the people in it.”

This personal drive to create inclusive narratives has blossomed into a larger mission. Dusky projects is not just about creating content; it’s about fostering a community where BIPOC creators can thrive. “Oppressive systems are distractions,” Nyoka explained. “By removing those distractions, we can focus on the craft and tell stories that embrace all humanity.”

For Nyoka, horror is more than just entertainment—it’s a lens through which to explore resilience and strength. “Horror was the only genre where girls could defeat a great evil, stand in their power, and aspire to something beyond societal expectations,” she said. Her projects often tackle real-world fears, from gentrification in Affordable Housing to the internalized systems of oppression she confronts in her own life.

As Dusky Projects continues to grow, Nyoka has ambitious plans for the future. She envisions the company becoming a self-sustaining entity with full-time employees, partnerships for distribution, and a lasting impact on the industry. “I want to build it to a point where I don’t have to be at the helm anymore,” she said, emphasizing her commitment to supporting other creators.

Her work has already earned widespread recognition, including grants from the Independence Public Media Foundation and The Velocity Fund, as well as accolades like the Nightmares Film Festival Best Short Screenplay Award and the Oregon Short Film Festival Best Horror Teleplay Award.

Through her innovative projects and relentless advocacy, Wi-Moto Nyoka is proving that horror and sci-fi are not just genres—they’re tools for transformation. As she continues to disrupt the status quo, she invites audiences to join her in celebrating diverse narratives.

To support Nyoka’s work, check out Dusky Projects on Patreon and tune into Black Women Are Scary. Together, we can create a future where everyone feels seen, heard, and represented.