Interview by Passion Dzenga | Photography by Kala CitéFor filmmaker, photographer, and multidisciplinary artist Thaniel Owusu Agyemang, creativity is about more than just expression - it’s about connection. With Home: Where It All Begins, his first official film release, he takes audiences on a deeply personal journey back to Ghana, exploring themes of heritage, identity, and belonging.Thaniel’s work spans filmmaking, DJing, and photography, allowing him to move fluidly between disciplines while staying rooted in community. He’s got love for all - collaborating with artists and using  the platform Sankofa Archives to create spaces where stories of the African diaspora can thrive.As he gears up for his film screening and the Onyx Vision exhibition at OSCAM, Thaniel invites people to get familiar with his vision - one that’s about archiving, storytelling, and reclaiming narratives through art.    How did you first get into film, and what does it mean to you?Film is a powerful medium of expression. My love for it started in childhood when I watched Nollywood and Ghanaian movies with my parents. I’d always try to predict what would happen next and even create my own plots in my head. Later, as I got into photography, I wanted to bring my photos to life, and film became a way to add new dimensions to my storytelling. You work across multiple disciplines - filmmaking, DJing, photography, and directing. How do these different roles influence each other?Being multidisciplinary allows me to collaborate with a variety of artists and communities. For example, alongside my film event, I’m part of an exhibition, Onyx Vision at OSCAM, featuring artists Lenny Pharrell and Hamilton Chango Harris. Engaging in different mediums broadens my connections, keeps me inspired, and lets me create in different ways.With an exhibition and a film screening happening in the same week, how do you see this film shaping the conversation around your work?This is actually my first official film release. I’ve done short projects before, but nothing on this scale. It marks an important step in my journey, blending all the creative elements I’ve worked with into one larger vision.What inspired the title Home: Where It All Begins?The title reflects my journey of returning to Ghana for the first time. It represents the idea that my journey truly begins now that I have reconnected with my homeland. I want people to feel the importance of returning to their roots, learning from the past, and building for the future. This idea is also tied to the philosophy of Sankofa, which means "return, bring it back"What was the main motivation behind your trip to Ghana?I had always wanted to go back to Ghana, but financial constraints made it difficult. My mother, who has many children, often went alone. When I finally had the opportunity, I decided it was the right time. I wanted my mother to be with me for my first visit, so I paid for her ticket. Later, my friend Ian Bodo, a director of photography, joined me. We started filming spontaneously without planning to make a movie—it just happened organically.Why did you choose to release the film on the same week as Ghana’s Independence Day?It felt symbolic. Ghana’s Independence Day represents freedom and reclaiming identity, which aligns with the film’s theme of reconnecting with one’s roots.What were your expectations before visiting Ghana?My expectations were shaped by stories from my mother and friends, but experiencing it firsthand was completely different. People had always asked if I had ever been to my homeland, and I hadn’t. When I finally went, I realized that stories can only tell so much—you have to feel it yourself.What was the most powerful moment for you during the trip?Seeing an entire space filled with only Black people for the first time in my life. In Europe, I had never experienced that before. It was a profound moment of reflection and belonging. The warmth I felt from the moment I arrived at the airport was overwhelming.How did meeting your family in Ghana impact you?It was deeply emotional. I met many family members for the first time, including my grandmother, whom I hadn’t seen in 15 years. I had talked to my relatives over video calls, but meeting them in person was completely different. You can’t fully understand someone’s presence through a screen—it’s something you have to experience.What was the biggest lesson you learned from your trip?I realized that in Africa, people don’t overthink problems like we do in the West. In Europe, we tend to pile problems on top of problems, but in Ghana, people just go with the flow. They accept that some things are beyond their control and trust in God. This mindset shift was one of the most powerful takeaways for me.What can audiences expect to see in the film?The film captures raw moments of reflection, like me standing in Independence Square in the rain, simply taking in the view. It’s about embracing stillness, something that’s rare in the fast-paced Western world. In Ghana, I felt like I could truly reset and breathe. That’s what I want audiences to experience through the film.How did your trip to Ghana change your sense of identity and connection to your roots?I wouldn’t say I feel more Ghanaian because I already felt Ghanaian. But I do feel more connected to the core—to my great-grandparents, to the land they walked on, and to my ancestors. That deeper connection is what changed for me.Do you see this film as the beginning of a larger project, or is it a standalone adventure?Initially, it was just an adventure I wanted to share with family and friends. I held a small private screening at the Black Activation Month in Amsterdam curated by Bamba Al Mansour, but after that, many people told me it could grow into something bigger—maybe a series or even an exhibition. Right now, I’m still weighing my options, but the message is powerful, and it has the potential to expand in different ways.How does your film differ from other narratives about African heritage and the diaspora?Many African films, like Touki Bouki from 1973, focus on people leaving Africa for Europe. That’s also the story of my parents, so I understand why those narratives exist. But I wanted to do something different—something about going back home and centralizing African countries in the story. The new generation needs to archive our heritage and encourage future generations to return, rather than always seeing Africa as a place to leave.Why is it important to tell stories about returning to Africa, rather than just leaving?Migration stories usually highlight Africans moving to Europe or America, reinforcing the idea that success is found elsewhere. But we also need stories about Afro-Europeans and people in the diaspora going back to Africa - reconnecting with the land, culture, and history. It’s about shifting the narrative and showing that home has value, too.What made this trip particularly special for you?Going with my mother was important because she’s from Ghana, and I wanted to experience it with her first. Then, having my friend join later allowed me to experience Ghana both as a son and as a young man in my early 20s, navigating my own journey. That mix of perspectives made it even more meaningful.Can you tell us about your collaboration with Sankofa Archives and Free the Art? How did it all come together?As the founder of Sankofa Archives, my events always align with building out the archive. My connection with Free the Art happened organically - I’ve known Tim and Berano from Free The Art for a long time. We always talked about supporting each other's projects, and when I did a small, private film screening last October, I wanted to do something bigger. I reached out to Berano about hosting a screening at the Eye Film Museum and expanding it into a full experience. He was on board, and from there, everything came together.Why did you choose the Eye Film Museum as the venue?Growing up, I visited the Eye Film Museum during school trips, and it always inspired me. School wasn’t as creative as I wanted, so these visits felt like an artistic escape. Over time, I kept the idea in my mind that one day, I would screen my film there. Now, it feels like I’m fulfilling a childhood dream.How does the film connect with the exhibition?The exhibition, Onyx Vision by Free The Art, features my photo series Home, which includes pieces made in Ghana. It connects with the film because it visually expresses moments from the film through photography. I took all the pictures myself and some of the pictures from the series also appear in the film. The film is called Home: Where It All Begins, and the photo series is also titled Home. Both capture different aspects of Ghana - the city, the beach, and the people. You often collaborate with Lenny Pharrel. What is it like standing next to your friends in creative spaces?It’s a beautiful moment because we’ve been friends for a long time, and in the beginning, we were both figuring out our paths. Seeing everything come together now feels like a full-circle moment. Exhibiting together in my own neighborhood, Amsterdam Southeast, at OSCAM, alongside Lenny, is really special. We are part of a community - Sankofa Archives - that aligns so well with what we do, so being able to share this moment is incredible.Being able to grow and experience it with friends is a blessing. Creating isn’t just about putting work out into the world - it’s about the act of creating itself. And when you do that alongside your friends, it makes the process even more meaningful. It becomes more of a family affair rather than just work.We've seen Sankofa Archives do their own thing, partner with Patta and provide creative opportunities for people already. What’s next for Sankofa Archives? Sankofa Archives is more of a community platform than a collective. The next goal is to collaborate more while making it clear that it's not just about the people running it - it’s for anyone who has ideas but finds the barriers too high. We want to create opportunities for young and emerging artists.For example, with the Sankofa Archives community, we created an exhibition alongside our film screening to showcase diaspora talent in the Netherlands. Artists like Rarri Jackson, Nora Sofie and Gabriela Akyea, who are incredibly talented but may not always get the platform, are being featured. Our goal is to provide these opportunities through exhibitions, community events, screenings and more.It sounds like you're building something bigger than just an art platform. What’s your long-term vision?Yes, we want to establish a space - both physical and digital - where we archive art, music, film, and culture. We want to document not just the past but also the present, creating an archive for future generations. The next step is expanding our reach, bringing in more people, and forming new connections.If you could take this film and your work anywhere in the world, where would it be?I’m actually traveling to Senegal in March—not for work, but to explore Africa, gather inspiration, and exchange stories. I see a new wave of Afro-European artists reconnecting with their roots, and I want to be part of that. Learning more about where I come from is a big part of my creative journey. My work and my philosophy are deeply rooted in African ways of thinking, and I want to continue developing that perspective.On March 5, the second edition of MovieZone’s: KinoTalk will take place at Eye Filmmuseum, presented by Sankofa Archives and Free The Art. This special edition is led by Thaniel Owusu Agyemang and will feature his film Home: Where It All Begins, a personal account of his journey to Ghana—a deeply meaningful experience that allowed him to explore his identity, connect with his ancestral homeland, and embrace the Sankofa philosophy. Following the film, a panel discussion will take place with Thaniel and other artists, delving into themes of identity, heritage, and cultural connection. To conclude the night, Eye Bar & Restaurant will host a celebratory gathering with drinks and music inspired by the film’s themes. Doors open at 7:15 PM. Admission is free, but registration is required via this RSVP link.

Photography by Kristin Lee Moolman | Words by Candy Reding Baloji is a Congolese-born director, art director, and musician who defies labels and transcends boundaries in music, film, and fashion. His layered journey—from receiving an order to leave Belgium to representing the country at the Oscars with his Cannes-winning debut feature—offers powerful lessons on resilience, identity, and the transformative power of art.For Baloji, identity has always been a dual-edged sword, both a question to navigate and a declaration to uphold. His name, translating to “man of science” in Swahili, originally held a sense of pride and purpose. Yet under colonial Christian evangelism, the name morphed into something far darker, twisted into meaning “sorcerer” or “man of occult sciences.” In a world deeply rooted in spiritual traditions and Christian beliefs, his name became a stigma, a provocation, and a challenge. “It’s like calling yourself the devil or a demon in Europe,” he explains. Growing up as a young boy in Belgium, the misunderstanding of his name led to a sense of displacement and alienation. It made people uneasy, forcing him inwards to find ease. “It wasn’t about embodying silence; it was about breaking it,” he reflects, offering a glimpse into the resilience that has since become his signature.Baloji’s path as an artist has been defined by his refusal to accept the limits placed on him. A self-taught creator who built his craft through exploration and persistence, he shaped his artistic identity within the resourceful and rebellious culture of 90s hip-hop. “Hip-hop is the real DIY,” he says, recalling how it taught him creativity and self-reliance. “You’re making your own flyers, photos, fanzines. My specialization was rap, but that naturally evolved into graffiti, graphic design, and architecture. Dance taught me about the movement of damaged Black bodies. DJing and sampling opened my ears to the music of other cultures; Caribbean, Latin American, and even my Congolese heritage.” This constant expansion of his creative field allowed him to embrace his roots while beating the expectations often placed upon them.Baloji’s journey as an artist began with a leap into the unknown when he joined the Belgian hip-hop group Starflam in 1998. It was a transformative moment, “Starflam taught me about life,” he reflects because “I was an undocumented, illegal teenager. I had an order to leave the country and was far from my family.” This disconnection from the familiar, paired with the hardships of his undocumented status, could have stifled his potential. Instead, it fueled his artistry. Through Starflam, Baloji learned to channel his inner world, turning his emotions, struggles, and dreams into powerful lyrical narratives. The collective gave him the tools to survive and thrive, crafting an identity rooted in self-expression and rebellion against societal constraints. This period laid the groundwork for his multifaceted career.While Baloji’s creative independence is unmistakable, collaborators and mentors who believed in his vision have also shaped his journey. Among them was the late Virgil Abloh, whose innovative spirit left a lasting impression. “I learned so much from Virgil”, Baloji shares. “He could move from one project to another without losing focus and was always open to other designers. He supported the Augure film project because it aligned with his mission to uplift Black women and, by extension, Black-owned businesses.” Abloh’s spirit of collaboration and cultural pride resonates deeply with Baloji. His excursion into fashion marks yet another exciting chapter: "I'm working a lot on the fashion and art direction aspect at the moment because I've gained confidence in my skills and aesthetic choices by working with professors at the Fashion Academy in Antwerp.” For Baloji, fashion is about garments and storytelling, how costumes, art direction, and narration create a cohesive and transformative visual language.Fashion, however, is not a newfound interest but a natural extension of his lifelong appreciation for craftsmanship. As he excitedly explains, "I've got a few fashion projects coming up, and I'm working passionately on the crafts that I've discovered by being a great aficionado of Belgian designers.” From Martin Margiela to Anthony Vaccarello, Baloji draws inspiration from the greats. He also admires icons like Karl Lagerfeld, particularly his work with Métiers d'Art, which combines tradition and modernity in high fashion.For an artist whose work resists labels, the interplay of cultural traditions is central to his creative process. Whether in music, film, or fashion, Baloji treats symbols and narratives with a curiosity that invites exploration and connection. “I read the newspaper, I listen to author podcasts, I read biographies, even 50 Cent's is a gold mine, full of knowledge. Culture is about reaching out, stepping out of your comfort zone, and learning from others,” he says. This philosophy extends into his personal life, where he immerses his young daughter in a broad spectrum of experiences. From waacking events - waacking is a street dance style - to art galleries, Congolese snack bars to Korean neighborhoods, opera houses, and street basketball courts, Baloji ensures that she grows up understanding the value of diversity. He says that different opinions and perspectives build character, and that’s something “I want her to carry forward.”The turning point in Baloji’s career came with his evolution from music to filmmaking. This shift, while natural in hindsight, was filled with challenges. He reveals that he went to the European Cinema Commission (the non-profit association that supports filmmaking in Europe) “26 times between 2012 and 2022, and they only gave me the green light once.” Despite the promises of diversity and meritocracy often preached in the industry, the experience disillusioned him. They make you believe in the idea of “when you want it, you can (get funding), but it’s a lie. It’s about knowing who has the power to make it happen.” Despite these barriers, Baloji’s persistence paid off. His film Omen (known locally as Augure) received international acclaim, showcasing his ability to tell deeply resonant stories across mediums. Yet he remains grounded, crediting much of his success to the support of his family. “I owe so much to my daughter’s mother, who supported me through four years of filmmaking without income or certainty. She’s my luck.”Freedom, strength, and rebellion run like threads through Baloji’s work, but these qualities did not come without struggle. He speaks candidly about the sacrifices he has made for his art, describing a pivotal moment when he poured 25k of his own money into a film project. “My cinematographer told me: ‘25K is what I pay for my house mortgage.’ I don’t have a house; I’m still renting. But I see that sum as an investment in my art, in fighting for it to exist despite the obstacles.” For Baloji, creation is a form of resistance and determination. His projects are not simply about aesthetics but about narrative, depth and meaning. “People misunderstand my work; they think it’s just about images. But the visuals tell a story. They look easy to imitate, but it’s the flow of ideas that counts. Execution changes over time, but the narrative is what endures.”Strangely, Baloji’s recognition in the film world solidified his broader reputation. As the president of the Camera d’Or at Cannes, he found himself in a position of respect within an industry that had long resisted his inclusion. “I think I’m one of the first self-taught filmmakers to win a prize at Cannes and represent a country at the Oscars.” His film Augure (known as Omen internationally) was the Belgian entry for Best International Feature Film at the Oscars in 2023. But there’s still a long way to go in breaking glass ceilings for creative minorities and Black men. However groundbreaking, Baloji’s achievements are only one step in a larger journey toward systemic change.Despite the seriousness of his work, Baloji finds ways to invite lightness into his life. “There’s a lot of humor in my films and my work in general, but it’s secondary at first sight”, he explains. Humor is the politeness of despair, but so is poetry. When it’s time to decompress, he turns to simple pleasures: traveling, cooking, watching soccer (his beloved Real Madrid), or indulging in the freedom of not setting the alarm. These moments of lightness, however small, are vital to his sense of balance.Peace, for Baloji, remains an evolving concept. “I don’t know if I’m at peace with my past, but not having all the answers keeps me alert. It inspires me to keep fighting for myself, my loved ones, and for change.” Through his art, he challenges certain ideologies and redefines what it means to belong. “Art shapes how we view identity and culture, but curiosity drives creativity,” he says. With this insatiable curiosity and a refusal to accept limits, Baloji continues to transcend boundaries, inspiring others to embrace their roots while daring to create something entirely their own. Baloji is not just a symbol of resilience; he invites us to dream bigger and create fearlessly.The Patta Magazine Volume 4 will be included for free with each online order of the Patta Angelwings T-shirt while stock lasts. 

While AntsLive & YS Sainté were in town to visit Patta Amsterdam for a meet and greet, the North London rapper took to the streets and filmed a music video for his single Crew Love in and around our beloved Zeedijk area which is home to our Amsterdam chapter store.Get familiar with AntsLive here.