Image via Converse
Converse and silver-screen star John Boyega have linked up for the Create Next Film Project, a new initiative which aims to nurture the talents of rising Black filmmakers in the UK.
The latest instalment of Converse’s All-Star Program will see the Peckham-born actor coordinate a community-focused programme of mentorship, commissions and funding that aims to create new opportunities for young Black British creatives. The central focus here is to spotlight talent whilst highlighting issues of representation within the film industry.
“It was a conversation that happened prior to the pandemic,” Boyega tells Complex about his work with Converse. “I had been going from school to school within boroughs basically making the kids more aware of different job positions that are available in entertainment. You don’t just have to be in front of the screen, and you don’t have to ignore every other job role in the industry.”
He added: “What I found as I was doing these school tours was that the kids didn’t even know about the other job roles. So it started to make me think about how I could bring my career, my connections, my influence and collaborate with a company that has funds and the passion to bring an opportunity for some filmmakers and young, budding, talented individuals.”
The Create Next Film Projectwill see Boyega work with five aspiring London filmmakers: Ade Femzo, Kaylen Francis, Kemi Anna Adeeko, Lorraine Khamali and Ibrahim Muhammad. Each filmmaker will receive funding to create a five-minute short film and be supported by Boyega and a team of creatives from across the Converse network—including Mathieu Ajan (Bounce Cinema) and Shannie Mears (The Elephant Room)—within the tight-knit mentorship programme.
Across the next six months, each filmmaker will be given guidance at key moments on their creative journeys, including the initial brief, a mid-point creative check-in, and at the crucial final edit. “This project isn’t only about five filmmakers,” Boyega adds. “It’s really about every aspiring Black filmmaker in London and beyond. We’re going to document the process so the community can grow alongside the All-Stars in this program—learn what they’re learning, seeing what they’re seeing.
“Converse has a campaign to ‘Create Next’, and I really feel that’s what we’re going to achieve with this initiative. I know how it goes with big corporations trying to relate to youth but Converse had a plan—they came with a vision and a clear goal, which was the answer I was looking for after doing the school tour. I wish I had it growing up so I’m glad we’re able to present this now.”
We caught up with the five filmmakers taking part in Converse’s Create Next Film Projectto learn more about their involvement in the scheme, what it’s been like working with John Boyega, and the ultimate vision for their work.
Kaylen Francis
What are your main inspirations that got you into this creative field?
I’d say my main source of inspiration was anime. Growing up watching shows like Naruto, I began to appreciate how the creators were able to create a very entertaining, but also deeply impactful story—so impactful that they spark whole fandoms and communities. I found it amazing a show could inspire these friendships and relationships, as well as how it could transform their outlook on life. I found myself wanting to achieve that with my own stories and films, and here I am today.
What does your dream movie cast list look like?
I’d say my dream cast would be myself, Denzel Washington and Michael B Jordan.
What are the key things you want the viewer to feel and experience when taking in your work?
I’d say it varies from film to film. In some films, I’d want the viewer to feel the thrill of an adventure outside themselves. Other times, I’d want them to go through an emotional journey with the characters that touch upon many different themes, and after that process they leave both thoroughly entertained and uplifted. Leaving with something valuable is key to my work.
What’s the ultimate vision for your film-making?
My ultimate vision is for my films to have a global audience. For me, I don’t want to limit myself to just the UK or Hollywood—I want to go further than that. I would love my films to reach audiences in Asia and Africa, too.
How’s it been working with Converse and John Boyega on this project so far?
It’s been an amazing experience. Just talking with my fellow creatives, the crew on set and John himself has really motivated me to continue going on my journey. If anything, it’s made more excited for what’s next!
Ibrahim Muhammad
What are your main inspirations that got you into this creative field?
One of my main inspirations to become a filmmaker was my uncle, Roger, who’s a DOP and director. Growing up, I’d see him shoot music videos and commercials and he would take me on set to show me all of the cool things he worked on. I wanted to do what he does and he’s been my biggest mentor.
What would your dream cast list for a movie or short film look like?
My dream cast for a film would star Mahershala Ali and Naomie Harris. Moonlight is one of my favourite films of all time. Their performances in it are mind-blowing and their relationship in that movie is so special, I feel like a short drama with them would have a lot of great chemistry. They can really transform into their roles.
What are the key things you want the viewer to feel and experience when taking in your work?
I think the biggest thing I want people to take in when viewing my work is the feeling and emotion of the characters within it. I want people to empathise with the story I’m trying to tell and engage with it, understanding every choice made in the process.
What’s the ultimate vision for your film-making?
My ultimate vision is to be able to produce a catalogue of films that I can be proud of. I want to tell the stories I feel inspired to tell, and do it through the lens of honesty. I’m never afraid to experiment with my art and how I tell a story.
How’s it been working with Converse and John Boyega on this project so far?
Working with John Boyega and everyone at Converse has been such a surreal experience. I would never have imagined this would be happening to me. Meeting everyone in the cast and crew of this project has been such a blessing.
Lorraine Khamali
Who or what are your main inspirations that got you into this creative field?
My main inspiration was the desire to share the stories around me that I felt needed to be told and be seen. I’ve always been inspired by my surroundings, and visual storytelling gave the platform to showcase that.
What does your dream movie cast list look like?
I would really love to work with Mama Binete Sane someday. I recently watched a film called Atlantics, by Matt Diop, that she stars in, and was really taken away by how romantic, candid and poetic it was. Aside from that, I’d also love to work with Adrien Brody, Zendaya and Viola Davies because I’m a fan of their work.
What are the key things you want the viewer to feel and experience when taking in your work?
I want the viewer to feel something when viewing my work, as I want to create stories that are impactful and that people can see a piece of themselves in and connect with.
What’s the ultimate vision for your film-making?
My ultimate vision is to continue creating stories that resonate deeply with viewers. The world is full of inspiration and beautiful stories to tell, so I’d like my stories to inspire people and help create a positive ripple effect.
How’s it been working with Converse and John Boyega on this project so far?
Working with John Boyega on this project has been so special—it feels like a dream! It’s such an amazing opportunity and I can’t wait to begin this process with my fellow filmmakers. It’s all about the journey for me.
Ade Femzo
What are your main inspirations that got you into this creative field?
I grew up watching skits and recreating my own. I’ve always thought it was interesting how someone could make you laugh, smile, cry in a short video so I went on the journey of making my own.
What does your dream movie cast list look like?
I grew up and loved seeing John Boyega, Daniel Kaluuya and Damson Idris on-screen. It would be a dream to work with them on a set.
What are the key things you want the viewer to feel and experience when taking in your work?
I want them to feel a sense of realism and pure emotions. I want to make films that feel like they’re watching real life captured right in front of them.
What’s the ultimate vision for your film-making?
I would say that it’s to write, direct and star in a featured film that was filmed in a big studio—that I own—with a sizeable budget to give me the options to be as creative as I want to be.
How’s it been working with Converse and John Boyega on this project so far?
Working with Converse has been a dream—everyone’s so nice and lovely. Nobody’s rude or acts like they’re too important to show us any attention. The energy’s always amazing and never dampens your spirits.
Kemi Anna
What are your main inspirations that got you into this creative field?
I’m inspired by my parents for making risks to work in the fields they want. They encouraged me to explore my creative talents from a super young age. I’m also inspired by incredible directors like Melina Matsoukas and Ava Duvernay. I’m daily inspired by my friends and their grind in the creative industry.
Who is your dream cast list for a movie or short film?
A dream cast list is hard. I’d definitely want to give new actors their film debut’s as leads. Of course I have faves I’d love to work with one day like Daniel Kaluuya, Issa Rae and of course John Boyega
What are the key things you want the viewer to feel and experience when taking in your work?
I want them to feel seen, to feel joy and to feel love.
What is the ultimate vision for your film-making?
Representation, always. Also to be happy and proud of the work I make.
What’s it been like working with Converse and John Boyega on this project so far?
It’s been incredible!! It’s so amazing to see a brand who genuinely cares and puts funds behind black creatives. Obviously meeting John was mad, he’s so inspirational.