As world cup fever starts to mount, we turn our attentions to an up-and-coming filmmaker who has been causing a stir with his film about young African footballers. Baff Akoto’s Football Fables has picked up two awards at the Palermo International Sport Film Festival and has seen him interviewed on CNN. Now Akoto is turning his attention to the commercials world with a sexy D&G spec which is all about aesthetic athletics. Laura Swinton catches up with Baff as he prepares for the film’s UK release.
How did Football Fables come about?
“Football Fables” came about because I knew my first cinema effort was going to be a massively steep learning curve. Because of this I consciously engaged with a narrative subject & world that I was naturally comfortable with but was still curious enough about to learn more & take an audience with me to discover a human narrative story. The world of African football was a fit because I’ve lived in Ghana & Uganda for a while and have loved football a little too much for as long as I can remember.
What was the filming process like? One imagines it might have been pretty emotional, following these young guys as they pursue this mad football dream, which seems to be their only hope for a better life… was it like that?
Not at all. the youngsters in the film don’t feel sorry for themselves anymore than you or I do. We all play the cards we’re dealt in life & these guys are all about applying themselves to their hopes & dreams with hard work. They inspired me a great deal. Filming on location in Ghana was challenging logistically for the whole crew but for me it was also really exhilarating to be up at the crack of dawn each day & know that anything & everything was possible. Keeping focused on the story & narrative considerations whilst surrendering to your environment was the specific challenge. Its about getting used to the lack of control that one might have on the set of a commercial or a narrative fiction film. Once I started using that lack of control to my advantage was when the magic started happening
And my goodness has it ever been successful -from winning festivals to being interviewed on CNN, how have you reacted to the massive response your film’s had?
Its great that different film festival audiences around the world have responded to the film in a positive way. That more than the awards offers some validation of the last couple of years work. But I hope to watch the film in 5/10 years & still be proud of it once the promotion & media bubble has long since burst. The theatrical cinema release of “Football Fables” in the UK means a lot because London is my hometown & its great that my mum can go see it in the cinema & realise I’m not a complete waster!!
I’m still not signed yet but have aimed to move into directing high end commercials (luxury, beverage, auto industry, sport, fashion etc) for a while. Once “Football Fables” had picture locked, I was suddenly free to put together a spec spot to showcase my particular talents in this area and get me the right director’s rep. Creatively the D&G spot aims to capture the inherent (but understated) elegance of masculine movement. The photography, lighting, production design, music & the choreography all come together to accentuate the luxuriously stylish athleticism & sensuality which are at the heart of Dolce & Gabbana’s core brand attributes. The result is a stunning spot that’s broad enough to be exploited across a multitude of territories and media outlets/channels…. including print, outdoor, TV & Cinema and of course the internet
When did you first pick up a camera and decide to be a director?
I’d been thinking about it for a year or so after I left Ravensbourne having produced a few multi-camera live music shoots and music promos in that time. The actual decision came when I was first in the Ionian Sea in Greece a couple of years ago learning to sail (badly). I’d been away from London traveling for months and it was a week to go before returning. The tranquility combined with my imminent return focused my mind and I though a lot about the kind of content I wanted to make as a director. After returning I got my first commission as a director to make a narrative short called “Star Cross” for the new Eurostar opening at Kings Cross which was a lot of fun! Then I went into development for “Football Fables”
Where do you see yourself in ten years time?
Dusting off my Cannes Lions, Oscars & BAFTAs!! Nah – seriously my only aim is to have the credibility & creative freshness to continue making the kinds of commercials, narrative features & documentaries that interest me & resonate with audiences. I’d hate to become a paycheck director & never want the need to pay the bills to override my creative imperatives. I’d love to have a crack at a really good recurring TV drama or comedy but I think as a director you need choose carefully as there’s so much crap telly out there to fill 24 hour rolling digital TV schedules.
Are you working on any new projects we should look out for?
If I tell you I’d have to kill you!! There’re a couple of projects I’m developing right now. I’m sure you’ll hear about them in due course. If not I’ll come back & do another Q&A…. promise
Football Fables will be released in cinemas on June 4 – for more information about the film check out www.footballfables.co.uk.
