Ravensbourne alumna chosen to create short film with Star Wars icon, John Boyega

Ravensbourne graduate, Kemi Anna Adeeko, is taking part in John Boyega’s Create Next Film Fund in partnership with Converse. The fund will give five black filmmakers mentoring and funding so they can create their own short films.

Kemi studied BA (Hons) Advertising and Brand Design at Ravensbourne and completed her degree in the summer of 2020. Kemi was an exceptional student and was part of the student collective, ‘Nuff Said’. Nuff Said are a creative agency that take a fact-lead approach to encourage the creative industry to replace performative diversity discussions with real action. They were shortlisted for a prestigious D&AD award in the Side hustle category in 2020 and made an impressive short film in partnership with the Obama Foundation.

Sharing the good news, Kemi wrote, “I am beyond excited to be part of the Create Next Film Fund by John Boyega and Converse. Giving us access to six months of mentoring, support and funding for our short films. This opportunity is insane! I can’t believe that’s me next to John Boyega on a rooftop! Being funded and supported to make a short film is a dream and I can’t wait to see the magic we all make.”

John Boyega is something of a local legend, having grown up in Peckham in South-East London. His breakthrough role came in 2011 when he starred in ‘Attack the Block’. He experienced stratospheric fame when he was cast as Finn in ‘Star Wars: The Force Awakens’ in 2015. He won his first Golden Globe award in 2020, taking home the ‘Best supporting Actor – Television’ award for his role in Steve McQueen’s ‘Small Axe’ film series.

John Boyega explained the project to the Evening Standard, “I approached Converse with a desire to start a domino effect in creating opportunities for those in my position when I first started out – those who work night after night perfecting their craft,”

“Black talent is underrepresented in the film industry, and I knew Converse had a strong track record of supporting underrepresented creatives. I’ve always wanted to create opportunities and pathways for young talent in the film industry and Converse’s goals align with my own. So few jobs in the film industry are filled by Black talent, this partnership with Converse is the first step in me trying to address that.”

He added: “This project isn’t only about five filmmakers. 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.”

We are thrilled that our former student is getting the opportunities and recognition that she deserves. We look forward to watching the short film when it’s released.

You can find out more about the Create Next Film Fund project on the official Converse website.