Meet the Critic: Danielle Momoh

In the Chicago Critics Film Festival’s new “Meet the Critic” series, we’re introducing our readers to some of the many talented members of our Chicago-area print, online and broadcast critics group, which celebrates the art of film and film criticism.

In today’s feature, meet Danielle Momoh, a recipient of this year’s CFCA / Rotten Tomatoes Emerging Critics Grant. She is currently pursuing a Master's degree in Cinema and Media studies at the University of Chicago. She’s passionate about the intersection of film, feminism and race. Danielle is a Boston University graduate and is from Lagos, Nigeria. Read more about the CFCA / Rotten Tomatoes Emerging Critics Grant here. 

Read her answers to our inaugural Meet the Critic Q&A below.

How has being based in Chicago informed your criticism? 

I think the sheer amount of films spaces in Chicago has re-shaped my criticism for the better! From Gene Siskel to Music Box to Doc Films, the range of films and film programming here has opened me up even more to the variety and beauty of film theater culture, specifically Chicago film culture. 

What’s a title from our line-up that you’re excited for people to see? (or a title that the festival has programmed in the past that you’ve loved) 

I am incredibly excited to see Sister Midnight! An audacious debut from a filmmaker is always exciting, and I am eternally curious about scores/soundtracks made by already established musicians. 

What’s a piece that you’ve written that you’re most proud of and why?

I wrote a piece about Nollywood (Nigeria’s film industry) for the Boston Globe back in 2022. The piece is close to my heart, and it is one of the few times I have gotten to write about my home country’s film industry in all its hilarity and excellence. Interweaving my culture, my family and film criticism was both fun and emotional.

Follow Danielle on Instagram.