Stephen Isaac-Wilson on Creativity Beyond Mere Pursuit
London-based filmmaker Stephen Isaac-Wilson, repped by Pulse Films, has been on a roll. Recently he collaborated with Film4 on a powerful project looking back at the Black Pervert Network parties of the ‘90s, celebrating the influence of seminal queer artist Ajamu X.
He was also commissioned to direct an intimate film portrait of a subject close to him as part of the Tate’s Queer British Art 1861-1967 exhibition, with the aim of depicting the diversity of LGBTQ experiences in Britain.
Stephen’s work has been shown in the Barbican, and he’s directed a documentary celebrating the 30-year legacy of alternative Queer raving in Manchester.
Most recently, Stephen collaborated with British artist Neneh Cherry and i-D Magazine to mark the 20th anniversary of ‘Raw Like Sushi’, reimagining the music video for ‘Buffalo Stance’.
Stephen’s work spans fashion, collaborating with the likes of Dior and Ahluwalia, music videos and commercials, but is never skin-deep. The filmmaker’s journalistic background is where he found his affinity for exploring subjects around race, sexuality and intimacy, with a focus on celebrating sub-cultures that emerge within these areas of life.
Today, his flair for the complicated blends beautifully with his affinity for composition, colour and shape, to create thought-provoking stories no matter the context.
LBB’s Zoe Antonov spoke to Stephen about all this and more, below.
LBB> Stephen, tell me a little bit about your upbringing and how it affected your career choice - did you always know you'd be working in the creative sector, or did this come later?
Stephen> My upbringing was relatively typical but in some ways, it wasn’t. I was raised in Nunhead, a neighbourhood in south east London. During my childhood, I was heavily involved in a swimming club, often spending up to five days a week in the pool. While swimming could be repetitive and occasionally dull, it provided me with ample opportunity to delve into my own thoughts and imagination. It was during these long hours in the water that I believe much of my creativity was cultivated.
LBB> Some of your background is in journalism - what was this like and where did you hone your journalism skills?
Stephen> At university, I immersed myself in student journalism and pursued internships at various magazines and newspapers. It was an incredibly rewarding experience to be able to share stories and insights with the world, contributing to the dialogue and progress of society and the communities I cared about.
Stephen's work for Dior
LBB> How did journalism lead you to filmmaking? And at that point, did you have an idea about your creative vision?
Stephen> My journey from journalism to filmmaking was largely influenced by my passion for documentaries, which served as a natural bridge between the two fields. As someone who struggled with dyslexia and found traditional reading challenging growing up, documentaries held a special significance for me. They not only provided accessible content but also ignited my interest in storytelling through the visual medium.
LBB> How has this creative vision changed over time - what were your inspirations when you started off, and what are they now?
Stephen> Over time, my creative vision has evolved while maintaining its core inspirations. My sources of inspiration have stemmed from films, art, books, nightlife, relationships, conversations with friends and family, and deep introspection. While the specifics may have shifted over the years, these foundational elements have remained constant, serving as guiding lights in both my creative and personal journeys.
LBB> What was the very first project that you worked on and what kind of lessons did you take from it?
Stephen> My initial foray into directing involved creating music videos for friends, with virtually no budget or resources at our disposal. From these projects, I learned a valuable lesson: a strong idea can transcend limitations. It taught me that with creativity and determination, anything is possible, regardless of the constraints.
LBB> You love exploring the topics of race, sexuality and intimacy, as well as culture - what draws you to these subjects and how do you make sure to do justice to each of them when you do pick them up?
Stephen> Exploring topics like race, sexuality, intimacy, and culture is deeply compelling to me. I'm drawn to these subjects because they reflect the complexities and richness of human experiences. To ensure I do justice to each of them, I engage in reading, thoughtful reflection, and meaningful conversations. I'm fortunate to have a supportive community that challenges and inspires me. Ultimately, I strive for honesty in portraying my own life and the diverse lives of those around me.
LBB> Tell me about your collaboration with Film4 on the project looking back at the Black Pervert Network parties of the '90s - what did this project mean to you and why was it important to be part of it?
Stephen> Ajamu, the central figure of the film, has been a mentor and friend for years. Through our friendship, he shared countless stories of black gay life spanning the '80s, '90s, and '00s. Inspired by his narratives, I felt compelled to create something that would honour the past while resonating with contemporary audiences. The project aimed to bridge the gap between eras, inviting viewers to reflect on history while leaving room for imagination and dialogue.
LBB> What about your recent collaboration with Neneh Cherry and i-D Magazine - what was the experience like?
Stephen> We dedicated the video to archival footage, adding depth and resonance. The process of curating, obtaining permissions and selecting footage was fascinating. Witnessing how we integrated this historical material with contemporary visuals was really rewarding.
LBB> Tell me about your work within fashion - what has the field given you and what do you hope to achieve beyond it?
Stephen> Working within the realm of fashion allows me to express myself in unique ways that other mediums simply cannot match. I feel fortunate to be immersed in various, but interconnected worlds.
LBB> What do you want to achieve with your work, in a broader sense? In the industry, and in the world, or perhaps in yourself?
Stephen> In a broader sense, I aspire for my work to facilitate better understanding and empathy among people. I want it to serve as a bridge that enables us to truly see, hear, and comprehend one another.
LBB> And what does being creative mean to you?
Stephen> Creativity holds immense importance in my life. It's not merely a pursuit but an integral part of my existence. I couldn't imagine a life devoid of creativity.
LBB> What are your hopes for the year ahead?
Stephen> Looking ahead, I hope for more opportunities to share ideas and delve into narrative filmmaking. I'm excited about the prospects that lie ahead and the stories waiting to be told.
