Tell us about yourself…
My name is Zed B. Benson, I am a Ghanaian filmmaker and creative. My journey began at 13, using a camera to capture the talents of my peers in Ghana.
A graduate of the Beijing Film Academy, I have spent over 15 years telling stories through film and photography, ranging from music videos and documentaries to branded content.
With creative footprints across Africa, Asia, and the United States, my work blends visual artistry with emotional depth to explore identity, heritage, and the nuanced experiences that define modern African narratives.
What inspired you to become a filmmaker, and how has your heritage influenced your work?
My inspiration started with comic books; I was captivated by the larger-than-life characters of Marvel and DC. When I got my first camera, I saw my friends who could dance, rap, and express themselves as superheroes in their own right, and I began filming their “origin stories.”
My Ghanaian heritage deeply influences my eye for detail and emotion. I am drawn to honest, human stories that reflect our existence and culture, translating that nuance into a unique dimension of visual storytelling.
What challenges have you faced as a filmmaker of African origin, and how did you overcome them?
While I haven’t personally faced significant hurdles, I believe African creatives often struggle with global recognition. There is a noticeable imbalance in visibility and opportunity, which are frequently extended to other ethnicities while African talent is confined to a more limited stage. This is a structural issue within the global industry rather than a reflection of ability.
Another issue is accessibility to high end industry standard equipment that elevates our stories, this was an issue I noticed when I had just moved back to Ghana after living in China for a decade. I introduced Cinetek, which is a film equipment sourcing and supply company which now supplies African creatives and industries with high end equipment.
What advice would you give to aspiring African filmmakers aiming to share their stories on a global stage?
Talent alone is not enough; you must compensate for an uneven playing field with grit and relentless consistency. You work harder, push longer, and stay consistent even when the odds don’t seem to favor you. It’s not just about being good, it’s about being relentless.
Africa is overflowing with legacies and lived histories waiting to be told authentically. Narratives shaped by ancestors, built on empires and kingdoms that still echo into today. These aren’t abstract ideas, they’re lived histories, cultures, and identities waiting to be translated into film with honesty and depth.
The responsibility to tell them authentically sits with us. It is our responsibility to own these narratives and shape how the world sees us through our own lenses rather than borrowed ones.
