Ghanaian filmmaker and multidisciplinary creative Zed Benson has joined a collective of artists and visual storytellers for a creative production at CultureCon in New York City, contributing his expertise in cinematography and video production to an experience celebrating Black creativity and cultural expression.
Founded by Imani Ellis, CultureCon is an annual gathering that brings together creatives, entrepreneurs, industry professionals and cultural influencers to explore ideas, share experiences and build connections. This year’s event received support from major brand partners, including Chase Ink, Cricket Wireless, Lincoln, HBO Max, Audible and Pinterest, helping create opportunities for people shaping culture and innovation across different industries.
Benson collaborated with New York-based creative Karston Tannis, photographer Sam Mironko and a wider team of artists and production professionals to develop visual content that captured the atmosphere and individuality of the CultureCon community.
One of the central features of the collaboration was a portrait and content studio designed by New York-based Abiké Studio. Created with the feel of a contemporary art space, the installation combined carefully considered design elements with an inviting atmosphere, giving attendees a setting in which to express themselves in front of the camera.
The studio brought together several creative disciplines, including set design, photography, cinematography and video production. Each contributor brought a different perspective to the project, helping create a unified visual experience that celebrated the personalities and stories of the people who passed through it.
Benson’s contribution drew on his background in cinematography and visual storytelling. Through the video content produced within the installation, he helped capture the energy of the event and translate the experience into visuals that reflected its wider cultural significance.
Rather than functioning solely as a conventional content-production space, the studio became an opportunity for attendees to engage with art and identity while contributing to a visual record of the community gathered at CultureCon. The collaboration demonstrated how creative spaces can extend the impact of an event beyond its stages and panel discussions.
For Benson, working across disciplines and alongside other creative professionals forms an important part of his career. His international experience spans directing, cinematography, photography and creative direction, with projects and professional environments bringing him into contact with prominent entertainment figures such as Michael B. Jordan, John Legend and Daniel Kaluuya.
His work across different markets has helped shape an approach that places culture, emotion and human connection at the centre of visual storytelling. His participation at CultureCon continues that journey, bringing his perspective into a collaborative environment in which artists from different backgrounds contribute to a shared creative vision.
The New York project also highlights the possibilities available to Ghanaian creatives seeking to participate in international productions. As Ghana’s film, photography, fashion and digital media sectors continue to develop, cross-border partnerships can provide valuable opportunities to exchange ideas, establish professional relationships and introduce African perspectives to wider audiences.
Benson’s experiences across China, Ghana and the United States reflect a career shaped by movement between creative communities. His involvement at CultureCon illustrates how a filmmaker working from Ghana can contribute to international projects while building connections with professionals operating in other markets.
These opportunities are about more than gaining access to influential spaces. They also involve making meaningful contributions, developing lasting collaborations and helping create pathways for other African creatives to participate in the global entertainment and media industries.
For Benson, the CultureCon collaboration represents another opportunity to bring his visual approach into a new cultural setting. It also reinforces the value of creative partnerships in bringing different perspectives together and producing work that resonates beyond geographical boundaries.
From his experiences in Shanghai and Accra to his latest collaboration in New York, Benson continues to build a career around visual expression and cultural exchange. His work reflects the growing potential for Ghanaian creatives to connect with international teams, contribute to global conversations and represent their perspectives through film and digital storytelling.
As these relationships continue to develop, collaborations such as the CultureCon production offer a reminder that creative talent can travel far beyond its point of origin. For Benson, the journey from Shanghai to Accra to New York is another chapter in an evolving career built on storytelling, collaboration and the determination to keep pushing creative boundaries.
