Mohamed Dione was born in Saudi Arabia and raised in New York City. He is of Guinean and Senegalese descent. He worked on plays, TV shows, commercials, music videos and films. His award-winning short film Maffé Tiga (Peanut Butter Stew) has screened at festivals and on television worldwide. The film was nominated for an Africa Movie Academy Award in 2012. He co-owns Caramel Cappuccino Films. 

Their mission includes developing and producing films that articulate relevant issues of life and relationships in underserved or under-acknowledged communities. His documentary series Momo Dione: Going Home highlights his journey back to Africa after numerous years abroad. Dione uses his $2000 grant to produce the second season of the series. It’s set in Guinea, Senegal, Ivory Coast, Nigeria and Ghana.

“This grant means I get to keep doing what I love, what I’m best at, and what is needed. This continues the journey,” he said, adding, "The most prominent narratives about Africa are wrong. They are narratives told by foreigners who don’t know the truth about Africa and are not interested in telling Africa’s true story. They profit from the images and the people of Africa. We must break the cycle. I’ve dedicated my life to the struggle. My weapons of choice are cinema and storytelling. Change is coming because WE are making it.