Ikenga Creative Lab is an independent UK-based production company crafting bold, original storytelling across film, television, and documentary. Founded in 2023, we are driven by a clear vision: to tell authentic, emotionally resonant stories that disrupt, provoke, and experiment—with a deep commitment to uncharted territory voices.

Rooted in the Igbo philosophy of Ikenga—a symbol of personal vision, strength, and collective purpose—we aim to create work that is both artistically daring and socially impactful.

We operate on a dual-impact model: while we champion global stories with a distinctive voice, a core part of our mission is dedicated to spotlighting African narratives, cultures, and creators.

Our debut project, Women on West Green, is an intimate documentary exploring cultural habitats through the lives of women in a North London community. As we expand our slate, we're developing a range of projects that continue to explore the boundaries of genre, voice, and form

Origin Story

Ikenga Creative Lab was founded in 2023 by writer-director Olu Adaeze, whose multidisciplinary background—spanning film, theatre, fashion, and music—informs the studio’s bold, cinematic storytelling. Driven by a deep commitment to amplifying underrepresented voices, Olu envisioned Ikenga as a space for experimentation, collaboration, and creative risk.

The company takes its name from the Igbo symbol Ikenga—representing personal agency, vision, and strength. That philosophy guides everything we do: from our intimate, character-driven documentaries to ambitious scripted works that push boundaries and provoke dialogue.

Before founding Ikenga, Olu collaborated with leading global brands including Nike, Vogue, and Walt Disney, and worked with institutions like the Royal Academy of Art and the Young Vic. She is an Associate Artist at B3 Media, a David Lyle Foundation Scholar, and a Board Trustee of The Documentary Film Council—roles that reflect her leadership in storytelling and her commitment to nurturing new voices.

Ikenga Creative Lab’s inaugural documentary, Women on West Green, explores cultural habitats through the lives of women in North London. It is the first of a slate of projects currently in development that reflect our vision: globally resonant, socially conscious, and emotionally fearless storytelling.