Meji Alabi is a director and photographer based in London, UK.
Below are Meji’s selects and what he had to say:
Selects: Films
1. Heat (1995)
Directed by Michael Mann
I mean there’s a number of reasons I love ‘Heat’. One of the dumbest is I played Counterstrike a little as a kid and Val Kilmer looked like one of the characters in the game and I thought that was cool. You know, I just loved the rawness of the shootout scenes – the quotable moments and all that wrapped around the tension built between Al Pacino and Robert DeNiro throughout the film. It’s a long one but I mean, these are two legends and the film definitely stands the test of time.
2. Gladiator (2000)
Directed by Ridley Scott
After ‘Lion King’, this was probably the second film that ever made me cry. Russell Crowe as Maximus was incredible. I just loved everything about it. We watched it over two periods in history class in 6th grade (I grew up partially in Texas). Long before I ever picked up a camera, I was completely captivated. The story of overcoming betrayal of the highest order and avenging his family in the end was a beautiful one to me. And Maximus simply put was an absolute badass.
3. Judas and The Black Messiah (2021)
Directed by Shaka King
As I peer more and more into the world of narrative trying to figure out what direction I want to go in I find myself watching more films. I actually caught this one on a super long plane ride to LA from Qatar and just found Daniel Kaluuya and Lakeith Stanfield’s performances captivating. It really had me on the edge of my seat and the film also stood for something. It kind of humanises and demonises the villain at the same time but really just takes you for this wild…. yet true ride… while making you wonder who is the villain the whole time? Does that make sense? Big recommendation.
Selects: Music Videos
1. ‘Do For Love’ Tupac (1998)
Directed by Bill Parker
2. ‘Firm and Strong’ Popcaan (2019)
Directed by Nabil
3. ‘Smooth Criminal’ Michael Jackson (1988)
Directed by Chilvers
4. ‘What’s It Gonna Be’ Busta Rhymes ft. Janet Jackson (1998)
Directed by Hype Williams
Selects: Campaigns
1. ‘The Game Starts Here: Richie McCaw’ Beats (2015)
Directed by TWIN
2. ‘Always Cool’ Coca Cola (1996)
I think advertising should be simple and captivating and this commercial just kinda did it for me and a lot of people at that time. It also helped launch Tyrese’s career as a superstar. Just seeing this happy go lucky kid jump onto a bus with an infectious smile singing the Coca-Cola jingle…. it just makes you smile. And the way he sang it rings in your head. Something I can never forget.
3. ‘Black Shines Brightest’ Guinness (2021)
Directed by Meji Alabi
- Meji Alabi
- Director