In an era where African storytelling is commanding global attention, one Nigerian filmmaker is quietly redefining the boundaries of Black cinema. Diran Aderinto, the Lagos-born actor-turned-director and cinematographer, is making waves on multiple fronts—from his recent appointment as Director of Photography for the highly anticipated faith-based drama Entangled, to his groundbreaking work documenting Black British experiences in Manchester.
A Cinematic Voice
Diran’s journey embodies the evolving narrative of contemporary African creatives—those who honor their roots while embracing global perspectives. His latest project, Entangled, represents both a professional milestone and a creative homecoming. The film, currently in production in Manchester, explores themes of faith, moral compromise, and redemption through the story of Ben, a successful TV host whose life unravels when he reconnects with his ex-fiancée Tito.
“What drew me to Entangled was its raw humanity,” Diran explains during a break in filming. “It’s not just a faith story—it’s about how we navigate temptation and consequences in modern relationships. Visually, we’re using Manchester’s urban landscape to mirror the characters’ emotional journeys.”
The film’s producer, Gbenga Dele Ajayi, notes that Diran’s unique background brings invaluable perspective: “His Nollywood experience gives him instinctive understanding of emotional storytelling, while his British training brings technical precision. It’s a powerful combination.”
From Lagos Theater to Netflix
Diran’s artistic evolution reads like a masterclass in creative reinvention. His career began in 2015 on the vibrant theater stages of Lagos, where his intense performances in productions like [Theater Production Name] hinted at his future screen presence. The transition to television was natural—roles in popular Africa Magic series Forbidden, Brethren, and Tinsel showcased his versatility.
But it was his breakout performance as Viper in the 2021 crime-comedy One Lagos Night that marked a turning point. The film’s Netflix distribution introduced Diran to international audiences, while its Africa Magic Viewers’ Choice Awards nominations signaled industry recognition.
“Acting gave me the foundation,” Diran reflects. “But I always wanted to shape stories from conception to final frame. That curiosity pulled me behind the camera.”
The Director’s Chair: Crafting a Visual Signature
Diran’s directorial debut came with 2020’s Labyrinth, a psychological short that announced his arrival as a filmmaker of substance. The film’s exploration of identity and emotional confinement, rendered through striking imagery and experimental sound design, earned him a spot on Pop Central TV’s list of Africa’s top emerging filmmakers. He attended EbonyLife Creative Academy in 2021, where Diran refined his craft under industry veterans. His subsequent projects—Dissonance (2022), a meditation on generational trauma, and Ellis (2022), a ghost story of regret—demonstrated growing confidence in visual storytelling.
“At EbonyLife, we pushed boundaries daily,” Diran recalls. “The collaborative short No One Right Way, which won Best Actor and Best Art Design at the academy, taught me how visual choices amplify narrative impact.”
Manchester: A Creative Crucible
Diran’s 2022 relocation to Manchester for postgraduate studies at SODA proved transformative. The city’s multicultural energy and SODA’s cutting-edge resources inspired projects like Isilo (2023), his documentary on Black Mancunian history, and Paradesi Raga, an immersive video installation for Manchester Museum’s South Asian Gallery.
“Manchester’s industrial past and cultural present make it ideal for diasporic storytelling,” Diran observes. “In Isilo, we traced how Caribbean and African migrants shaped this city—stories often overlooked in British media.”
His work as cinematographer for The Little Foxes further showcased his visual artistry, with YouTube critics praising its “poetic framing of grief.” These projects established Diran as a triple threat—actor, director, and cinematographer—with rare cross-cultural fluency.
While pursuing his master’s degree, Diran gained invaluable industry experience as a production runner on Manchester, a documentary project by acclaimed director Jenn Nkiru—best known for directing Beyoncé’s Brown Skin Girl. Working under Nkiru’s visionary leadership gave Diran firsthand exposure to high-level documentary filmmaking. The project not only refined his technical skills but also deepened his understanding of narrative construction and visual storytelling. This formative experience expanded his creative lens and sparked a lasting passion for documentary work, marking a pivotal moment in his journey as a filmmaker. Diran continues to draw on this foundation in his current projects.
Beyond film sets, Diran is laying foundations for lasting change. His in-development Manchester Media Collective aims to nurture Black creative talent through workshops, mentorship, and production opportunities.
“The UK film industry still struggles with representation,” he notes. “This collective will be both incubator and amplifier—for Black stories told our way.”
Local artists like Olumide Olulu Holloway attest to Diran’s impact: “He doesn’t just make films; he builds ecosystems. His masterclass on visual storytelling last month sold out within hours.”
Further showcasing his cinematic talent, Diran took on the role of cinematographer for a dynamic DJ set music festival held at Freight Island in Manchester, hosted by Esoul Cultura. The vibrant event featured an impressive lineup of renowned DJs, including Luna Una, Colin Curtis, and DJ Paulette. Capturing the energy, rhythm, and atmosphere of the festival, Diran seamlessly blended music and visuals to create an immersive experience on screen. This project highlighted his ability to translate sound and movement into compelling imagery, further cementing his skill in storytelling through film. It was a defining moment in his creative development as a cinematographer.
Building Legacy: The Manchester Media Collective
The Road Ahead
With Entangled’s release imminent and talks underway for a Lagos-Manchester co-production, Diran stands at a creative crossroads—equally claimed by Nollywood and Britain’s film scene. Yet for this filmmaker, geography matters less than authenticity.
“Great stories transcend borders,” he muses. “My mission stays the same: to frame our truths with beauty and integrity, whether the backdrop is Lagos or Lancashire.”
As the sun sets over Manchester’s Northern Quarter, Diran returns to Entangled’s set, adjusting a camera angle that will capture Ben’s moment of crisis. In this quiet act of creation, another chapter of African cinematic history is being written—one luminous frame at a time.
