From studying MA Filmmaking at London Film Academy to creating a documentary commissioned by Levi’s and the Afro Fashion Association, LFA alumnus Emmanuel Ektipah Blay is taking his latest film, Voices of Denim, to Milan Fashion Week.
The documentary explores culture, roots, heritage and identity through denim, giving a platform to BIPOC creatives connected to Milan and the diverse cultural backgrounds that shape the city’s creative community.
Voices of Denim was developed as part of a wider initiative bringing together 30 creatives from across film, fashion, music and photography. For Emmanuel, the project provided an opportunity to bring together his filmmaking practice with his interest in culture, identity and collaboration.
For Emmanuel, documentary filmmaking is about creating space to explore stories and perspectives that audiences may not otherwise encounter.
From LFA to Voices of Denim
Since graduating from LFA, Emmanuel has focused on developing his own production company Specchio Films and building creative collaborations. His journey towards Voices of Denim began with research he carried out during his MA, which took him to Ghana to explore locations, potential collaborators and funding opportunities.
That experience helped shape his approach to developing projects and working with people across different creative disciplines.
Producing Voices of Denim also came with its share of challenges. When the producer stepped away just one day before filming, Emmanuel took on additional responsibilities across the production, working as producer, coordinator and director. When the editor later had to step away, he also took on the edit himself before later finding a replacement.
For Emmanuel, the experience reinforced the importance of adaptability and problem-solving, skills that are essential when working in the industry.
Building a career through collaboration
Collaboration has become central to Emmanuel’s approach to filmmaking, something he credits LFA with helping him develop.
That approach has also helped Emmanuel build new industry connections. While making Voices of Denim, he interviewed Francesca Ragazzi, Head of Editorial at Vogue Italy, and Mathilde Vaucheret, VP Europe Marketing and BX at Levi Strauss & Co. His conversation with these institutions subsequently led to introductions with other prominent figures.
These opportunities demonstrate the importance of building relationships, taking opportunities and continuing to put yourself - and your work - out there.
Voices of Denim at Milan Fashion Week
The next step for Voices of Denim was Milan, where the documentary premiered during Milan Fashion Week as part of an exhibition showcasing work from the 30 creatives involved in the initiative.
The screening will brought together around 300 invited guests, giving Emmanuel the opportunity to share the film with an audience at the heart of Milan’s fashion and creative industries.
Looking back at his time at LFA and his experiences since graduating, Emmanuel’s advice to current filmmaking students is to embrace the process, take risks, and learn from setbacks.
Further screening opportunities for Voices of Denim are currently being explored.
Interested in developing your career in filmmaking? Find out more about LFA’s MA Filmmaking course and learn by making films alongside industry-active tutors and fellow filmmakers.
(Emmanuel would also like to thank Michelle Ngonmo, Founder of Afro Fashion Association, and Jordan Anderson, the Project Curator, for trusting his vision and providing the space, as well as the Levi's team and everyone who made it possible.)