Nigerian born, London based photographer Emily Nkanga, has a 9-year track record of the art. Over the years, she has landed the acclaim of notable artists such as Olamide, Burna Boy, Joeboy, Koffee to mention. Her signature lifestyle and portrait photography forced her into a quest of deeper appreciation, while capturing the core of human anthropologic expression.

With what started out as a photography project, Nkanga found herself immersed in the stories of the athletes she had spent time with. This later bought about a change of plan, with Nkanga birthing ‘Reaching For Gold’. In a press release she stated, “it felt important to document through film. Telling their story and putting them in a powerful light.”

The film-like-documentary, presented by GÒKÈ Studios, tells the story of a local youth boxing club in Akwa Ibom, Nigeria. The two coaches, one being a former Olympian (Effiong Okon) dedicate their time, money and skills to help take youths off the streets and into the ring.

Their success however, is highlighted through the only two female boxers they have trained so far, Dorcas and Idara (pictured above).

The story of Dorcas and Idara is the archetypal story of many Nigerians who swim against the tide (of infrastructural deficit, laxity of government intervention, absolute neglect) to still compete on a global stage.

I spoke with Emily about the new project and what's to come... 

Congratulations on a remarkable debut. How has it been transitioning from photography to film making? 

Thank you. It has felt more like a continuing journey for me than a transition. Nonetheless, it has been a great step in diversifying my art and a much needed life lesson/experience. 

There is clearly more to Dorcas and Idara's story. Is this something you plan on later unraveling?

At this point, no. They are featured in my forthcoming photobook but there are no current plans for a feature length film. The point of the project was to inspire & bring awareness and I thought a short film was the most efficient route to get the story heard from a time and budget perspective.

Were there any challenges that you faced whilst creating Reaching For Gold?

Not with the actual production as everyone was interested in making the film. I did face a challenge with the story itself at the beginning as I felt it wasn't complete after the first round of filming. I had to wait about a year to film the follow up story you see in the final film. We also had a couple of challenges with post production, attaching crew and raising funds to finish the film. 

You have a great style of telling the stories of the unheard. Are these the type of projects you see yourself documenting in the long run?

Thank you and yes I want to do feature length vérité documentaries in the long run but I would also definitely love to try some lighthearted drama. 

What is next for Emily Nkanga?

I'm currently looking to publish my first photobook and do some more branded projects before working on my next personal film.

‘Reaching For Gold’ is out now and available to watch on Minute Shorts  

GÒKÈ Studios is raising funds for the main characters of the film, with the entire funds going directly to them https://gofund.me/0af308db