Visual Intonation

In this episode of Visual Intonation, we explore the world of Taj Kokayi, a dynamic young artist whose work spans filmmaking, photography, graphic design, and sports videography. With an eye for storytelling, Taj has built an impressive portfolio, including his role as a videographer and as an editor for his high school’s broadcast program. Whether he's capturing the intensity of championship...

In this episode of Visual Intonation, we dive deep into the world of Joseph Douglas Elmhirst, a filmmaker whose works explore the intricate intersections of nature, faith, and identity. Joseph’s latest film 'Burnt Milk', commissioned by the 2023 Venice Biennale, serves as a visual prayer to Jamaica, capturing the spirit of the Windrush generation and their profound influence on British s...

In this episode of Visual Intonation, we delve into the captivating stories of two pioneering Ghanaian artists whose work has redefined the African visual arts landscape: Andy Madjitey and John Kwame Markin. These two visionaries have not only mastered the art of storytelling through photography and cinematography, but they have also been at the forefront of blending traditional African narratives...

Welcome to this episode of Visual Intonation, with Aaron Tucker, an acclaimed director, cinematographer, and producer whose vision has shaped some of the most powerful narratives in media today. Hailing from the vibrant DMV area, Aaron has built a reputation for weaving human-centered storytelling with high-end branded content. Whether crafting visually stunning ads for global giants like Amazon,...

Gene Wilson V is a powerhouse in the world of film and video production, seamlessly blending creativity with an unyielding work ethic. His journey began in the world of music, where he dedicated 8–10 hours a day, five to six days a week to perfect his craft. When he made the shift from composing music for videos to recording the videos themselves, Gene brought that same commitment and focus to his...

In this week's episode of Visual Intonation, we dive into the world of Christopher Emanuel Smith, a filmmaker whose journey from Florida to the bright lights of New York City is as compelling as the stories he tells. A former Floridian with a knack for avoiding "Florida Man" infamy, Christopher swapped gators for a camera and pursued an MFA from NYU Tisch. With a career that blends...

Dean Leon Anderson 's passion for filmmaking ignited at the age of six when he spent a summer binge-watching an extensive VHS collection at his child minder’s home. From 'Back to the Future' to 'Ghostbusters', those formative films left an indelible mark on him, and a lifelong journey into storytelling began. Dean, born in London, has carved out a unique space in the film...

In this episode of Visual Intonation, we’re diving deep into the fascinating world of Myah Asha Jeffers, an artist whose multifaceted practice is reshaping how we view the complexities of diasporic life. Born in London, raised in Barbados, and now based in London, Myah’s work spans photography, theatre, and film, with an emphasis on "Black Interiority." Her exploration of class, cultural...

This week on Visual Intonation , we’re sitting down with Dante Marshall, a self-taught photographer, director, and creative director whose work has captivated both brands and audiences alike. With a career that began almost a decade ago in Detroit, Dante’s unique perspective on photography and storytelling has allowed him to build a distinctive style that resonates in the world of digital content...

 In 'Death of a Wizard', Edward Varnie crafts a gripping tale set during the social unrest of the 1960s, where three boys decide to take matters into their own hands and confront the Grand Wizard living in their small southern town. This narrative is more than just a Southern thriller; it’s a raw exploration of identity, violence, and the complex human experience. Known for his thought-p...

Cameron Carr is not just a director—he’s a force of nature, reshaping the future of storytelling with a sharp focus on the human experience and Black-led narratives. Born and raised in Harlem, Carr’s cinematic journey began with childhood VHS tapes and blossomed through years of working in the fast-paced advertising world at agencies like Wieden+Kennedy and BBDO. Now, after years of honing his cra...

Welcome to this week’s episode of Visual Intonation, where we sit down with a filmmaker who’s changing the landscape, one story at a time—Lexx Truss. Hailing from Greensboro, North Carolina, Lexx made his mark in the film world with his award-winning short 'Zarina', which won the Grand Prize at the 2019 Emerge! Filmmaking Lab. Since then, he’s crafted compelling narratives, exploring the...

In this episode of Visual Intonation, we dive deep into the world of Alicia Mendy, a Swiss filmmaker whose works are shaping the future of cinema with a bold and unique vision. Born in 2000 in Lausanne, Switzerland, to a Senegalese father and an Italian mother, Alicia brings a rich cultural perspective to her films. Graduating in 2023 with a Bachelor’s in Cinema from HEAD-Geneva, she is rapidly be...

 In this episode of Visual Intonation, we meet Ibrahim K. Muhammad—a director, photographer, cinematographer, and editor who's redefining the boundaries of storytelling. Based in London, Ibrahim's journey began not with a formal film education, but with the lens of a mobile phone and a childhood passion for recreating 'Lego' movies. His path took him through the BRIT School and...

 As 2024 fades into the rearview for Visual Intonation and the filmmaking community, it’s time to take stock of the year’s cinematic triumphs and failures. What made us laugh, cry, or think? What films stopped us in our tracks, and which ones slid under the radar but left a lasting mark? In this end-of-year special, we reflect on the films that defined the year—both the blockbusters that dominated...

In this episode of Visual Intonation, we dive into the world of Orobosa Ikponmwen, a Nigerian artist whose diverse talents span film and visual art. Orobosa’s work is deeply rooted in African culture, blending contemporary influences with traditional storytelling. Whether she’s starring in impactful film projects or creating thought-provoking visual art, her unique approach connects the past, pres...

In this episode of Visual Intonation, we sit down with Othello Banaci, a Liberian-American director, cinematographer, and photographer whose creative journey is as unpredictable and inspiring as his work. Based in Washington, D.C., Othello has carved out a name for himself in the worlds of portrait photography, documentary filmmaking, and commercial cinematography. From his early days as a basketb...

 In this episode of Visual Intonation, we dive deep into the world of J.M. Harper, a visionary director and documentarian who has spent his career capturing powerful human stories through both the documentary and narrative forms. Known for his work on films like 'Jeen-yuhs: A Kanye Trilogy' and the upcoming 'As We Speak', Harper’s unique storytelling voice has earned him recogn...

 In this episode of Visual Intonation, we dive into the story of Clark Bishop III—an artist whose journey defies conventional paths and whose work pushes the boundaries of visual storytelling. Born and raised in Detroit, Bishop is a self-taught filmmaker, Director of Photography, and Colorist, known for his minimalist yet powerful style. With an eye that sees beyond the obvious, he has crafted stu...

In this compelling episode of Visual Intonation, we delve into the intertwined worlds of filmmakers and photographers Christian Padron and composer Samora Pinderhughes, two visionary artists whose work addresses the weighty themes of grief, resilience, and social justice. Padron, known for his evocative portrayals of people of color, brings an intimate lens to his craft, masterfully blending photo...

In this episode of Visual Intonation, we sit down with Diji Aderogba, a pioneering Nigerian filmmaker known for his powerful, thought-provoking narratives. Since his filmmaking journey began in 2016, after graduating from the Mainframe Film and Media Institute, Diji has been dedicated to bringing social consciousness to the big screen. Under the mentorship of African cinema legend Tunde Kelani, Di...

 In this episode, we talk with Jonathan Patterson, a freelance cinematographer from the east side of Detroit, Michigan. Jonathan’s ascent from pizza delivery driver to esteemed cinematographer is not just a tale of ambition; it’s a blueprint for success in the competitive world of film. With his early passion rooted in filming skateboarders, he transformed a hobby into a flourishing career, provin...

In this episode, we explore the compelling artistry of Olivia Peace, a Student Academy Award-winning director and visual artist originally from Detroit, now residing in Los Angeles. Olivia’s work is deeply informed by artistic experimentation, dreamspaces, and a profound respect for the ecosystems that shaped them. Their unique perspective merges will influence from hip hop, B-movies, and personal...

Join us for an inspiring episode as we sit down with Bobola Oniwura, the Creative Director and Lead Colourist at Ingenuity Pictures, who has made a significant mark in the film industry over the past decade. Bobola's expertise in color grading has set a new standard in visual storytelling with a portfolio that includes three of the highest-grossing Nollywood films and the critically acclaimed...

In this episode, we delve into the remarkable life and groundbreaking contributions of Fanta Regina Nacro, a pioneering filmmaker from Burkina Faso who has redefined the landscape of African cinema. From her early days in Tenkodogo to becoming an internationally acclaimed director, Nacro’s journey is one of resilience and artistic brilliance. We explore her evolution as a filmmaker, highlighting h...