We recently connected with Emmanuel Amoako-jansen and have shared our conversation below.

Alright, Emmanuel thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. Can you talk to us about a project that’s meant a lot to you?

My most meaningful project has definitely been my first short film (Danke a short film). It underlined my transition from music into the world of film and also marked my evolution from a dop/editor to a director, where I could combine my love for music and visuals. It was such a pivotal experience for me—adapting a friend’s story into a screenplay, learning about scheduling, working with a team, and understanding how much effort goes into every single page of a script. It gave me a real sense of what’s needed to bring a vision to life.
The film was deeply personal because it was dedicated to my mother and inspired by the experiences of Black women. It focused on a budding romance between a light-skinned Black man and a dark-skinned Black woman, exploring themes that resonate with my community and my own life. Representation was at the heart of it—I wanted to tell authentic stories that reflect the lived experiences of Black people in Germany.
Growing up, I saw so much representation in places like the U.S., the UK, and France, but in Germany, it was almost nonexistent, especially in film. That gap made me realize how important it is to create narratives that bridge cultures and show our stories authentically. I worked with people who truly understood the experiences I wanted to portray, which was critical because authenticity in storytelling comes from the right people writing, acting, and contributing to the project.
This first short film showed me what’s possible, even on a smaller scale, and helped me define the kind of work I want to do—building bridges between cultures and creating spaces where underrepresented voices can shine. It’s about keeping things real and staying hands-on with projects that truly matter.
“Danke,” my short film, was kind of a stepping stone that led to the full-length movie I just wrapped up, which has been the most impactful project of my career. It really shaped my whole creative process and how I want my films to look, the stories I want to tell, and the kind of characters I want to portray. My main inspirations have always been filmmakers like Spike Lee and Barry Jenkins, and writers like James Baldwin and Bell Hooks. Their work has influenced how I approach storytelling and character development.
The journey from the short film to the full-length feature was intense but rewarding. We completed the movie in two years, entirely independently. It wasn’t about proving anything to anyone—it was about being precise and intentional in what we wanted to achieve. It gave us the freedom to stay true to the story and our creative vision.
The film focuses on the personal journey of three Black men in Germany, exploring how they navigate their relationships—past, present, and future. It’s a very personal story, and casting was key. I wanted to work with actors who shared similar experiences, so we could bring authenticity to the project. We spent time talking about life, connecting on a deep level, and weaving those personal experiences into the film.
One of the most important aspects for me was showcasing the vulnerability of Black straight men, which is often underrepresented in media. I wanted to push back against the stereotypes of toxic masculinity and show that not every action is deliberate or malicious, but that doesn’t absolve responsibility. This film gives a nuanced perspective on Black male identity, particularly within the German context, which is rarely seen in cinema.
Ultimately, this project allowed me to tell a story that is not only authentic but also necessary. It represents a perspective that is long overdue in German film, and I’m proud to have been able to bring it to the screen. It’s been a defining moment in my career as a director.

Emmanuel, 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?

My journey began with writing, which eventually evolved into songwriting (ghostwriting) and music production. I studied music management and worked in music licensing in Munich, Germany, back in 2013. During that time, I was introduced to film production, and I quickly realized that my passion for music and visuals could merge into filmmaking. I’ve always had a strong visual sense—whenever I produced music, I could already see the visuals in my head, and it worked the other way around too. That’s what drew me to filmmaking, so I started small with event videos and party recaps & music videos before gradually taking on bigger projects.
In 2015, I founded my own creative agency, IEMAGINATION, with the goal of developing and executing unique and effective visual solutions. The agency specializes in art direction, creative management, and consulting, always with a focus on offbeat and unconventional imagery. My approach was and still is rooted in the idea of “storytelling,” which is central to everything I do.
That was kind of me on my one man army approach – I created tailored communication concepts that resonate with audiences in today’s fast-paced, ever-evolving media landscape.
What sets IEMAGINATION apart is our conscious use of minimalist and creative visuals that connect with modern branding needs. I aim to break away from traditional, expected approaches and offer something fresh that speaks to the current cultural moment. Over the years, I’ve worked with some major brands like Adidas, Boiler Room, Puma, Snipes and Coca Cola, as well as German artists such as Eunique and Ebow. Our collaborations are always about bringing an authentic, visually striking story to life, and we’re proud of the work we’ve done to elevate brands and individuals alike in unique and meaningful ways.
As I gained more experience, I worked on everything from lighting and sound to camera work, grading, and editing. My unique aesthetic and ability to manage every aspect of production led to more opportunities with major brands and other notable Commercial and Tv productions (e.g.arte, viacom, etc.)
In 2022 I then worked as the Director of Photography (DOP) for the documentary of a series called “Sam, Ein Sachse”, which was featured on Disney+. After that Job and spending two important weeks in the states I decided to start doing my film.

One of the most rewarding aspects of my career so far was really creating that movie, working with a team – writing and then seeing the vision coming into life and than combining my two passions and creating a soundtrack for my full-length film, Liebe: A Tale of Loving Men. I wanted the soundtrack to reflect the themes of the movie, so I worked with musicians I admire to create something deeply personal and meaningful. Both the film and soundtrack were entirely independent projects, which gave me the freedom to stay true to my vision.
My artistic philosophy is to always stay true and authentic to who I am. I want my work to be commercial, but with a unique touch that brings something fresh and meaningful to the table. It’s important to me that my films and music are not just entertaining, but also offer something people can learn from, whether it’s a message of self-reflection or motivation. I believe entertainment can be both visually stunning and thought-provoking, just like the work of artists like Kendrick Lamar, who masterfully blends creativity with substance.
Looking ahead, my goal is to build a production company here in Germany. While I’m not aiming to compete with the biggest companies, I want to start small and grow steadily, focusing on authenticity, quality, and creative vision. Building something from the ground up, brick by brick, feels like the right next step in my journey.

interviews

vogue
https://www.vogue.de/kultur/artikel/mehr-davon-pennedhaus-der-kunstler-feiert-mit-seinem-kurzfilm-danke-die-schwarze-frau

https://www.instagram.com/p/Ck07RdAM7yK/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link&igshid=MzRlODBiNWFlZA%3D%3D&img_index=1

Let’s talk about resilience next – do you have a story you can share with us?

In 2023, I went through a very challenging period in my life, both health-wise and financially. I was forced to take a step back and focus on self-care, learning to prioritize myself before trying to please others. This was a pivotal moment, especially as it affected my past relationships and added pressure to everything I was trying to achieve. Despite the hardships, the one thing that kept me grounded was the support and love I received from those around me, including my girlfriend. Through this experience, I learned how to open up and receive love in a healthier way, which helped me grow as a person.
During this time, I also reflected a lot on the resilience of my parents, who emigrated from Ghana to Germany. Unlike African communities in the UK or France, who had a shared language, my parents faced the significant challenge of adapting to a new culture and language without the same sense of community. Despite the difficulties, they thrived, and their perseverance became my blueprint for resilience. When I look back at their journey, I realize that if they could overcome such obstacles, I can navigate through my own challenges. Their example of resilience continues to inspire me, reminding me that no matter how tough life gets, there is always a way forward.

Is there mission driving your creative journey?

My creative journey is deeply driven by a mission to remain authentic in my work while creating stories that resonate emotionally and intellectually. I believe storytelling has the power to educate, inspire, and entertain, and that’s what I aim to achieve in every project I take on.

A core focus for me is to showcase the experiences of the African diaspora, particularly within Germany, and to highlight how these stories, while unique, are deeply interconnected across cultures. My aim is to offer a snapshot of how Black people live in Germany, revealing both the similarities and the differences compared to other diasporas, such as those in the UK, France, or the States. This is important to me because I want to contribute to building a more defined identity for the African diaspora in Germany—a sense of belonging and visibility that hasn’t been fully established yet.

Through my films, music, and creative direction, I want to push boundaries while remaining grounded in authenticity. My ultimate goal is to inspire others to think critically, embrace their vulnerabilities, and connect with stories that offer both reflection and growth. I want my work to challenge norms, showcase cultural narratives, and foster unity, while also highlighting the power of personal identity in an interconnected world.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://iemagination.com/.
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/pennedhaus/. https://www.instagram.com/iemagination/
• Facebook: info@iemagination.com
• Linkedin: info@iemagination.com
• Twitter: info@iemagination.com
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/user/Pennedhaus
• Yelp: info@iemagination.com
• Soundcloud: https://soundcloud.com/pennedhaus
• Other: https://linktr.ee/pennedhaus

Image Credits

Demian Pleurer (but not every picture)