The Directors Bureau Signs Director Emmanuel Adjei
Hollywood-based production company The Directors Bureau has announced the signing of director Emmanuel Adjei for US representation. Emmanuel is a Dutch-Ghanaian film director and visual artist whose work in narrative shorts, music videos and commercials transcends the everyday. With a painterly, cinematic style, and drawing from such varied inspirations as Ghanaian sci-fi films to ancient fables, his vision has created fresh stories fixed with a modern lens for such brands as Hugo Boss, Patta, Highsnobiety and ASICS, and artists including Mark Pritchard and Bibio with Warp Records.
Emmanuel’s most current artistic relationship is with Dutch-Iranian artist Sevdaliza. His short film ‘The Formula’ (2016) and music video ‘Human’ (2016), both created with Sevdaliza, achieved critical acclaim from Billboard, the Fader and Promonews, amongst others. Their most recent project ‘Shahmaran’ premiered in Summer 2018 and is a seven-minute cinematic and sonic journey that questions the eternal fascinations and desires of the human mind, and represents a milestone moment for both of their artistic expressions.
The Directors Bureau Founder/Director Roman Coppola states: “When I met Emmanuel, I immediately sensed a like-minded curiosity that I think all of our directors share. He has a unique understanding of humanity and his work combines cultural elements from his life seen through his unique lens. I look forward to seeing the compelling work he does next.”
Notes The Directors Bureau MD/EP Lisa Margulis: “I was lucky enough to make Emmanuel’s presentation at Ciclope Berlin in 2018, and was immediately pulled into what Emmanuel called ‘the museum of my memories.’ We’re inspired to include Emmanuel in our Bureau family, and believe he can contribute ideas and executions for brands that we haven’t seen before.”
Jacki Calleiro, EP Music Videos, also adds: “I’ve been a longtime fan of Emmanuel’s work. His films are poignant, generous, and come from a unique vantage point. The moment we met him, we knew he was a treasure. It’s a joy to welcome him to The Directors Bureau.”
"I’m very excited to be joining the TDB family and it’s such an honour to be part of their strong body of directors,” says Emmanuel. “I’m really looking forward to working with an exciting company that pushes creative boundaries and always strives for high-level craftsmanship."
Emmanuel graduated with a Bachelor of Fine Arts with honours from the Utrecht School of Arts, before securing a talent scholarship for a BFA in Audiovisual Arts in Film from the Royal Academy of Fine Arts in Ghent, Belgium. During this time, he discovered his passion for experimental cinema and video installation. In 2013 and 2014, Emmanuel was awarded a 'Young Talent' grant from the Mondriaan fund to develop his artistic practice.
