Create Next Premier - John Boyega & Converse
Five London-based filmmakers showcase their works at the Curzon, Soho
Behold, the film industry is about to make room. 6 months ago, John Boyega teamed up with Converse for the Create Next Film Project, to unleash a new wave of Black talent and tackle issues of under representation in film.
Yesterday we had the privilege of being invited to the premier of Create Next. Achievement and community was in the air as the families, friends and teams of the filmmakers joined them at the Curzon Soho. Ade Femzo, Kaylen Francis, Kemi Anna Adeeko, Lorraine Khamali and Ibrahim Muhammad would exhibit six months of their hard work, phenomenal skill and creativity, captured in all of 5 minutes.
Boyega and Converse make a niche partnership, but it works. And it’s about time we shook up the mostly-white demographic in TV & Film. Boyega told us during the Q&A that “there seems to be a knowledge of the industry, but no knowledge of how to get into it”. Boyega’s aim with the project was to open up a trajectory for great work, and instead of talking about it, getting the creatives to execute their own projects. Well, it certainly did leave an impression.
This wasn’t like any other premier. There was an air of excitement, accomplishment, and community. The complimentary drinks were of course, a huge plus. Each film captured topics that seem simple but are actually so relatable and yet mostly overlooked. We won’t give too much away, though. It’s up to you to make your own interpretation. One thing we can tell you, is that if you’re an aspiring filmmaker, watching these short films will absolutely ignite the fire in your belly. It certainly did for us.
Catch the short films below:
“The next thing isn’t out there, it’s in us. It’s in you.” - John Boyega