DAVID  reviews
LATEST    ●     SISTERHOOD    ●     DIRECTORS    ●     UK    ●     IRELAND    ●     USA

21 May 2024

The Corner Shop welcome Akwasi Poku.

by Andrew MacGregor

 
 

Director Akwasi Poku says "culture makes everything better" and wanted to join a company that shared his optimism. When The Corner Shop got in touch, it was a no-brainer.

A former creative at the likes of Wieden+Kennedy and TBWA\Media Arts Lab, Poku is passionate about commercials and branded content, with short films like 'The Therapist' and 'Lock Off' in his locker to boot. The Corner Shop founder Anna Hashmi has plenty to say about her new recruit.

"Akwasi is an exciting filmmaker with a strong and distinctive voice as a director across advertising, short films, and content," Hashmi says. "He reflects the world around him, from an authentic perspective, that brings you into contemporary life, makes you think, and can make you laugh too."


He can also make you focus on the good times, as demonstrated by this Fifa Store commercial. Remember when David Beckham completed his redemption arc against Argentina in 2002 or when Pelé leapt into Jairzinho's arms in 1970? Poku knows how to convert nostalgia into results.

Footballer-turned-writer Kieran Kenlock’s script and performance carry it along as well, and the wardrobe is spot-on throughout. Not that retro shirts make Fifa's plans for the future any easier to fathom, but Poku has done his job very well.


To discuss a potential collaboration with Akwasi Poku, ring Anna Hashmi on 020 8135 9875 or email anna@thecornershop.tv.


David Reviews is hand-crafted at 7 Seven Sisters, Lenzie, Glasgow, G66 3AW. Editor: Jason Stone. Phone: 0141 776 7766. E-mail: jason@davidreviews.com.