Ade Femzo is a young, talented director, writer and actor whose star is rising. He is a modern renaissance man of a filmmaker. He is the first to be part of a series of interviews of our HNS Spotlight series with young talent from around the world in film and television from in front of and behind the camera. He spoke to us about his origins and love for the movie industry, inspirations and how he uses his talents to evolve the industry going forward. Femzo has worked with John Boyega, Converse and many more. He just recently won Best Director at this years BFI Future of Film Festival 2023, to go with his BFI Best Short Film Award at London Film Festival, and Best Director at the S.O.U.L. Fest x American Black Film Festival in 2022 for Best Director.
Check out our exclusive interview below!
What made you first fall in love with the film industry?
AF-When I went on a professional set and realized how creative it can be.
Who inspired you to become a filmmaker?
AF-My family and friends.
What films inspired you growing up?
AF-Anything that had aliens or superheroes I’d love, my favourite being Attack The Block.
How did you come up with the idea for your film “Drop Out”?
AF-It was based on me telling my mum I wanted to leave school and follow my passion.
You are a real renaissance man Ade, as you wrote, directed, starred and did the music for “Dropout.” How was that how experience and process for you?
AF-Thanks, being able to do the things I enjoy doing was a great experience for me and a process I’m still learning.
I really enjoyed the comedic element of the time travel aspect you dove into, reminded me of iconic movies Groundhog Day (1993) and Back to the Future (1985). How did you want to put your own spin on the genre?
AF-Having a more relatable story and characters for my audience
How did it feel to be a part of the John Boyega and the Converse Create Next Film Project, which debuted your film “Drop Out” and then winning Best Director at The S.O.U.L Film Festival 2022 collaboration with the American Black Film Festival (ABFF)? One of the biggest film festivals in the world which took place at the BFI (British Film Institute)… what has the whole experience been like?
AF-I’ve learnt so much more about the industry and filmmaking. It’s been a big learning experience.
You run your own production company ACP Network. What was your inspiration behind creating it?
AF-Being able to create and working with different creatives
What advice would you give the 10-year-old version of yourself or anybody wanting to succeed in the film industry?
AF-Know who you are and what you offer
What would you like the audience to take away from your work?
AF-Some sort of feeling or joy
Below is “Drop Out” | Award-Winning Short Film on the ACP Network Channel :
Instagram: @adefemzo
Twitter: @AdeFemzo
YouTube: ACP Network
BFI Future Film Festival Trailer
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