More often than not, filmmaker and photographer Uzo Oleh can be found taking meetings in his hometown of London, surfing the waves in the picturesque, coastal Moroccan town of Taghazout, or writing scripts in rugged rural Spanish landscapes of Tenerife. Global trotting Oleh has been busy lately, with his genre mini-series Beth (2025) just released on the UK’s Channel 4, and a new feature film in the making.
In the saturated world of visual storytelling, Oleh stands out as a compelling force – an emerging writer, director and seasoned photographer bridging the gap between high-style and high-concept cinema. The sought-after visual artist has collaborated with Chanel, Nike, Lady Gaga and David Beckham. His transition into filmmaking is marked by the critically acclaimed short film Edicius (2021), a psychological thriller praised for its visual storytelling. Executive produced by Idris Elba, the film garnered attention on the festival circuit, earning accolades for Oleh’s distinctive, emotionally rich style.
Surfing, a relatively new passion, has become a major focus in Oleh’s life. He likes to experience the world nomadically: on a surfboard, motorbike, or inside a camper van that he built up by hand ten years ago. Being on the road fires up his imagination, Oleh says, especially during creative periods so conducive to his writing: an exciting film is in the works. Watch this space.
Go-to neighbourhood ritual?
I’ve never considered a neighbourhood ritual before but in this small Spanish town I always go to, going for a coffee to my favourite spot means that I’ll generally bump into the same 40 odd people in the village every day. They are some of the kindest people you’ve ever met: they take a moment, a hug, check on each other’s family. I think that’s really beautiful and reminds me that I’m part of somewhere and something. It’s very nourishing.
What do you ‘feel’ when you surf?
Strange combination of fear and freedom! I learned to swim when I was 31 years old so sometimes being in the surf feels like wrestling with nature, but also your own mind. Some days the swell over delivers in a personal achievement sense, other days makes you feel like a scared little child.
Best-kept secret in your local town?
I’m no snitch.
What inspires you about being in Tenerife?
Tenerife has all kinds of terrain packed into one island. Different parts were formed by volcanic eruptions hundreds of thousands of years apart, so you get desert in some areas, rainforest in others. It’s wild and spectacular.
Travel splurge you’ll never regret?
Briggs & Riley Baseline carry on suitcase, I’m gonna sound like a damn advert now but seriously. It makes every other case look impractical and silly. To be fair, it’s not the sexiest looking thing in the airport but I’m at that point in life where I’d rather roll around something that was designed by a bunch of geniuses. Don’t get me started.
Does travel help the creative juices and if so how?
Absolutely. Being bombarded with so many new senses and experiences doesn’t just feed creativity, it fires up my imagination. Even when things get tough, like not speaking the language or feeling out of place, that discomfort pushes a part of you that’s a lot like storytelling: it builds creative resilience.
Favourite surf spot anywhere?
Matapalo, Costa Rica…Holy moly!
Favourite museum/gallery anywhere in the world?
The Musée de l’Orangerie in Paris.
Favourite hotel anywhere?
Oh this is tough but I might have to say Salut Maroc in Essaouira, it’s absolutely spectacular. Small enough to feel like you’re coming home, the crew there remember you and treat you like you’re a friend versus a client.
Where do you go for total recharge and escapism?
My Auntie Gloria’s house.
Tell us what you can about what you are currently working on?
An absolutely bananas feature film, kind of like a romantic revenge story. Very excited about it. I’ve been trying it out on people on planes and the response is exactly what I’ve been hoping for. So putting my head down and writing it over the next few months.
You used to work as a photographer in Mainland China and Hong Kong a lot, tell us more about those experiences.
I was looked after by the most incredible agent, so to be honest everything has always been super streamlined. We did a big Nestlé campaign there once and I remember having 70 year old people on set and looking around thinking this is the smoothest running team ever. I’m pretty sure we could’ve done it with 30% less people but I’m not going to complain.
One of the funniest memories was that as much as I was treated like a king, it was very clear that I was there to work. I got off the flight once and immediately “accidentally” ended up in a meeting… then another meeting… and then another one. Very funny. Very efficient!
Go-to fitness or wellness ritual?
Stopping to breathe, might sound a bit silly but I set a timer for every 90 minutes and no matter what you’re doing, take a moment for 10 deep breaths. At the end of the day my heart rate will show that I’ve had less of a stressful day. It’s kind of a shame that we have to contrive these moments but it’s really effective, especially when you’ve been travelling or under a heavy workload, I can get obsessed and miss the entire point.
What would be your dream feature film to make today and where would you make it?
A kind of story that is complex enough to have you debating it with your friends afterwards, but thrilling and exciting enough to not give you a moment to do it in real time. Location wise, to be honest, anywhere with great crews and interesting landscapes that serve the story would be amazing. It’s such an honour to be able to even get to that stage.
Dream vacation, not yet fulfilled
The Galapagos Islands!
