Imole Ladipo is an incredible filmmaker with a rich spiritual background & African heritage. She has utilized all her life skills, strong faith, & her love for production and being behind the camera to officially begin Lumiere Films in 2020 after her initial vision and conceptualization in 2012. She believes that visual art should inspire and uplift. For her along with her very supportive husband and growing production crew, it is a calling from God. “I want to transform lives through media one film at a time,” she says as she came to this realization after filming a short film video for gospel group Avalon called “You Were There” in 2016 which depicted a healing of a man who was on his sick bed in the hospital. That moment was transformative for her as it was at that point, she realized what her purpose was in production.
When did you know you wanted to begin your film production company?
First, thanks for having me here today. To answer your question, I started by telling stories & organizing dramas at church then after making so many I wanted other people beyond the walls of the church to see the story. Lumiere Films was birthed out of that thought.
How did you go from creating video announcements for the church to developing your films?
Video announcements for me are almost like a launching point for me to see the creative side of making magic through the lens. Even though at the time, I did not know all the things I know now. The moment one step was taken another one was revealed.
What year was the company first launched?
We began telling our stories as early as 2012, but the company didn’t officially launch until the year 2020 in Texas.
From your perspective what is one of the major differences between African and African American Storytelling or Film Making?
African Stories & African American Storytelling are similar in many ways. One of the major differences is the culture represented in the films. The language, food, and dynamics of the families are one of the most recognized differences I’ve noticed. I also tend to think African American filmmakers also have an added advantage of their ability to get major actors to star in their movies as opposed to African movies.
Do you plan to accept scripts from other up-and-coming screenwriters?
Yes, I work with a few screenwriters right now, we do a lot of work together actually. I would love to read other artists’ ideas & see how we can bring them to life.
You have three very distinct film projects about to premiere, can you tell us more about them?
Yes, these films are uniquely different but somehow the same in the sense that they tell stories about real-life issues we all have the potential of experiencing. I tend to focus on human interest stories that people can easily see themselves in & find relatable.
What has it been like partnering with your husband to bring your creative vision to life?
My husband was the first person who believed in my dreams. He bought my first camera since I would not stop talking about videos & cameras (she laughs at the memory) In the beginning he wrote all the scripts but now as the company is growing, he proofreads all the written scripts to make sure they are accurate. He is very supportive & encouraging.
What else can we expect on the horizon from Lumiere Films?
After the premiere, we are expecting to start filming for our web series and feature films. We have several scripts ready to shoot for the world to see.
It became clear to me that filmmaking for Imole is way deeper than just words on a page & entertainment for a quick buck or obtaining temporary fame and accolades. She believes that along with her devoted husband Anthony Ladipo who acts as script supervisor as well as her partner in business and life, they have a divine calling to tell stories that positively impact & inspire others to believe that they too can be all God has called & designed them to be. She radiates positivity in the words that she speaks & believes in the power of positive affirmations one of her favorite words of inspiration to speak over herself is that “a journey of one thousand miles begins with a single step”. We should not despise the days of small beginnings; God majors in the minors she goes on to say. Her progression from being her church’s videographer and organizing programs led her to realize that she had an even greater work that she was to fulfill outside of the four walls of the church. She further encourages “You are where you need to be” to let others who have a big dream but may be afraid to take that first step or even feel that it is too late to pursue it she lets them know God has them & delays do not mean denial unless we deny ourselves by letting intimidation or setbacks make us feel we are out and refuse to continue trying. I was personally charged, refreshed, & inspired to keep going forward with my aspirations after hearing Mrs. Ladipo’s story of how one idea and using her talent & gift for God led him to honor her faithfulness & open even bigger doors of opportunity & I for one am looking forward to seeing what is in store for Lumiere Films very shortly. After this interview, I am sure you will want to know as well so follow https://www.instagram.com/thelumierefilms/ & the website at www.thelumierefilms.com we wish them all the best & much-continued success. As she says in closing always remember that “one step reveals the next” so keep going & you too will reach your destiny just as Imole has whatever you do just don’t give up.
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