We recently connected with Dolapo Okunola and have shared our conversation below.

Dolapo, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today What’s been the most meaningful project you’ve worked on?

The most meaningful project I’ve worked on is a short film called On the Brink. It’s a documentary-style film that focuses on young people sharing their experiences with mental health, identity, and the pressures they face. The idea came from listening to the stories of people around me and realising how much is left unspoken. I wanted to create a space where those feelings and experiences could be expressed honestly and visually.

I’m directing and producing the film myself. We’ve already started filming and are working with a diverse group of actors who bring their own stories to the project. It’s self-funded, so it’s been a challenge to manage everything, but it’s also been incredibly rewarding.

What makes this project meaningful is how personal it is. The people involved aren’t just acting—they are sharing parts of themselves. The film aims to start conversations about topics that are often overlooked and to make people feel less alone. This is exactly the kind of storytelling I want to be part of.

Dolapo, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?

I’m Dolapo Okunola, an independent filmmaker and storyteller based in the Uk. I got into filmmaking because I’ve always been fascinated by the power of stories to connect people and create change. Growing up, I noticed how many stories, especially from young people and underrepresented communities, were left untold or misunderstood. That inspired me to start creating films that give space to those voices.

My work mainly focuses on short films that explore themes like mental health, identity, trauma, and resilience. I blend documentary and narrative styles to create films that feel authentic and emotionally raw. I’m passionate about projects that don’t just entertain but also spark conversations and offer new perspectives.

What sets me apart is my commitment to honesty and collaboration. I work closely with my actors and crew to ensure everyone’s voice is heard and respected, which I believe leads to more genuine work. Because I’m involved in every stage—from writing to directing to producing—I’m able to maintain a clear vision while adapting as the project evolves.

I’m most proud of creating films like On the Brink, which give real people a platform to share their experiences and talk around topics like mental health. My goal is to create work that resonates deeply, encourages empathy, and leaves a lasting impact.

For anyone interested in my work, I want them to know that I’m here to tell stories that matter, to uplift voices that often go unheard, and to approach filmmaking with care, integrity, and passion.

Is there a particular goal or mission driving your creative journey?

Yes, my main goal is to create stories that give voice to people and experiences that often go unnoticed or misunderstood. I want my films to open up conversations about mental health, identity, trauma, and resilience topics that affect so many but are still surrounded by silence.

More than just telling stories, I want to create a space where people feel seen and heard. My mission is to use filmmaking as a tool for empathy and connection, to break down barriers, and to challenge the way we think about these important issues.

Ultimately, I hope my work can inspire others to be more open, compassionate, and honest with themselves and those around them.

What do you find most rewarding about being a creative?

For me, the most rewarding part of being a creative is the chance to connect with people on a deep level. Creating art lets me share stories that might otherwise go unheard and give space to emotions and experiences that are often hidden.

There’s something powerful about knowing that your work can make someone feel seen, understood, or less alone. It’s those moments when a viewer reaches out or tells you your film helped them that make all the hard work worth it.

Being creative also means constantly learning and growing, which keeps me inspired and excited to keep telling stories that matter.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: dolapokunola
• Other: https://www.imdb.com/name/nm15991080/

  yes do share it please

Image Credits

All images taken by me apart from
the headshot photo in red top which is by – David John