Today we’d like to introduce you to Imole Ladipo
Hi Imole, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
If someone told me years ago that I’d go from chemical engineering to premiering a film at an Oscar-qualifying festival, I might have laughed—but here we are. My name is Imole Ladipo, and my journey has been anything but linear.
I started in the world of engineering, a field I still hold deep respect for. I currently work in data management within the health sector—dealing with systems, structure, and logic by day. But I’ve always known that storytelling lives in my bones.
Film became my way of making sense of the world. I launched my own production company, Lumiere Films, with nothing but grit, passion, and a refusal to wait for permission. I poured that energy into What Happens Now?—a raw, emotional short film exploring grief and healing. To my amazement, it’s set to premiere at the Oscar-qualifying Martha’s Vineyard African American Film Festival in August 2025. That moment alone still feels surreal.
But I’m just getting started. I’m currently directing In 5 Minutes, a psychological thriller centered on mental health and memory. It’s a film that dares to be both thrilling and tender—and I can’t wait to share it.
Engineering taught me structure. Film gave me voice. I live at the intersection of both.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Absolutely not. The road has been anything but smooth—and honestly, I wouldn’t have it any other way. One of the biggest challenges I continue to face is funding. As an independent filmmaker without the cushion of major studio backing or industry connections, getting projects off the ground has required a mix of creative fundraising, personal sacrifices, and relentless perseverance.
Every short film I’ve made—What Happens Now?, Disaster Date, and now In 5 Minutes—was funded through personal savings, community support, and pure grit. I’ve learned to stretch every dollar, wear multiple hats, and lean on the generosity and brilliance of collaborators who believe in the story as much as I do.
There’s also the emotional toll—navigating an industry that often overlooks stories by underrepresented voices. But those challenges have only sharpened my resolve. They remind me why I do this: to tell stories that matter, that reflect the communities I come from, and that give others the courage to speak their truth.
So no, it hasn’t been smooth. But it’s been honest. And that’s a road I’m proud to walk.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I’m a filmmaker, director, and independent creative—driven by the power of storytelling and fueled by a deep curiosity to learn and grow. What I do best is bring emotionally honest, visually compelling stories to life, even when starting from scratch. One of the things I’m most proud of is my ability to be flexible and fearless when stepping into unfamiliar territory. I’ve taught myself the ropes, leaned into the discomfort of not knowing, and kept going until I found clarity and purpose in the work.
Right now, I’m incredibly excited about In 5 Minutes, a psychological thriller exploring memory, identity, and mental health. The collaborators on this project are some of the most brilliant minds I’ve worked with—many have screened at major film festivals or have their films on platforms like Netflix. As a director, I’m honored to be leading a team so dedicated, diverse, and creatively on fire.
What sets me apart is that I’m not afraid to start small, but I dream big. I build community, empower the voices around me, and believe that great films are born from authenticity, collaboration, and relentless belief in the story being told.
Do you have recommendations for books, apps, blogs, etc?
When I’m not working my 9–5 or on a film set, I’m always learning—studying scenes from iconic films of the ’90s and beyond, observing the craft of storytelling from some of the greats. It’s a form of ongoing education that fuels my creativity.
In terms of books, My Year of Yes by Shonda Rhimes has had a powerful impact on me—it’s a reminder to step into fear with boldness. I also love The Power of Positive Thinking by Norman Vincent Peale; it’s grounded me during the most uncertain seasons. I find inspiration in the voices of trailblazers, creators who challenge the norm and build without permission.
Whether it’s a scene breakdown, a podcast conversation, or a single quote, I’m always collecting tools that help me stay grounded, open, and creatively inspired.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.thelumierefilms.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/imole.ladipo/
Image Credits
Pictures by Gfaydesigns
