How Renee Maria Osubu Turned Vision Into Opportunity
Image by Renee Maria Osubu (from “Dear Philadelphia”)
Where many see North Philadelphia as a place defined by hardship, violence, and drugs. Renee Maria Osubu sees something deeper. She sees community, resilience, and the determination to rebuild.
In Dear Philadelphia, she pulls back the surface narrative of North Philly and reveals a place shaped not by struggle, but by accountability and hope.
Portrait of Renee Maria Osubu
“Recovery is all we know,” a voice says in the film. Later: “You don’t have to be a product of your environment, you can stay and make the place a better place.”
Rather than sensationalising hardship, Renee captures depth, humanity and accountability. This ability to see beyond the surface is what defines Renee’s work as both a photographer and film director. It’s also what caught the attention of Somesuch which is a production company that now represents her.
But that breakthrough didn’t happen in isolation.
Through her membership on The Kusp, Renee was able to attend a Secret Session with a producer - Emory Ruegg - from Somesuch. These smaller sessions allow creatives to share their work in an environment where they are able to receive thoughtful, tailored feedback. During this specific session, Renee was a able to share work she was proud of, and it happened to being a pivotal kickstart to her eventually getting signed by production company a few months later.
Renee has spoken on numerous occasions about her appreciation for The Kusp, praising us “for facilitating these opportunities and prioritising quality over quantity when it comes to these sessions and masterclasses.”
It’s that intentional curation, smaller rooms, deeper conversations, and real feedback that make moments like these possible.
Coldplay x Choose Love - ‘In Between’ by Renee Maria Osubu
As we expected, Renee’s has gone from strength to strength! Her work has continued to gain international recognition. Dear Philadelphia premiered at the Sundance Film Festival and later won the Short Documentary Prize at the BlackStar Film Festival, before becoming the focus of her debut solo exhibition at Philadelphia’s TILT Institute for the Contemporary Image. More recently, she directed In-Between, a hybrid short film created with Coldplay and Choose Love exploring migration and relationships; and her photography has also received major recognition, including the Davis Peace Project Award and Portrait of Britain honours.
Her journey is a reminder that talent alone is not always enough. Access matters.
The right room matters, and when creatives are given spaces to be seen, and heard, careers move forward!
Words by Ivy Atem (Community Specialist Intern)