Zed Benson
New York City played host to one of the most anticipated gatherings in the global Black creative community as summer drew to a close: CultureCon.
Founded by Imani Ellis, the annual conference brought together an extraordinary mix of artists, entrepreneurs, industry leaders, and cultural tastemakers for a celebration of Black creativity, innovation, and expression. Among the creatives shaping this year’s experience was Ghanaian filmmaker and multidisciplinary creative Zed Benson, who collaborated with an exceptional collective of artists, designers, and visual storytellers to deliver an immersive content experience.
Working alongside New York-based creative Karston Tannis, photographer Sam Mironko, and a talented team, Zed contributed to an ambitious production that celebrated the intersection of culture, artistry, and visual storytelling. One of the standout installations was a striking portrait and content studio that quickly became a captivating destination for attendees.
Designed by New York-based Abiké Studio, the set brought together thoughtful aesthetics, charm, and elegance, creating an environment where every creative who stepped in front of the camera became part of a larger artistic expression.
The studio’s visual identity was complemented by the collective talent behind the production. From set design and photography to cinematography and video production, each creative brought a distinct perspective, contributing to a cohesive visual environment that celebrated individuality and artistic excellence.
Zed’s creative touch was evident throughout the video content produced within the studio. Drawing on his experience in cinematography and visual storytelling, he helped translate the atmosphere, personalities, and energy of CultureCon into compelling visual narratives.
The collaboration demonstrated the value of bringing different artistic disciplines into one shared space. For Zed, working alongside exceptional creative minds is familiar territory.
With a career spanning multiple continents and creative industries, he has built an international portfolio through directing, cinematography, photography, and creative direction. His professional journey has brought him into creative environments involving prominent entertainment figures, including Michael B. Jordan, John Legend, and Daniel Kaluuya.
For Zed, whose creative journey has taken him across continents, this cross-cultural exchange is a natural extension of his work. His experiences in China, Ghana, and the United States reflect a career built around connecting people, cultures, and ideas through visual storytelling.