Papa Kwamina Karikari Blankson

With nearly a decade in the creative industry, Papa Blankson is a Ghanaian born Cinematographer currently residing in St. Louis, Missouri. Papa began his journey as a writer and English teacher. Specializing in the emotional intention behind film, Papa sees the “why” as equally (if not more) important than the “what”. While primarily working in the commercial advertising industry with brands such as Purina, Schnucks, Pabst Blue Ribbon, White Castle, and Garage Beer. Papa’s passion resides in the world of narrative storytelling and music videos. “Keenelan” (Papas first short film, directed by Cami Thomas) recently exited its festival run, with a notable showings in St. Louis as well as New York.

His next short film “A Different Kind of Tenderness, And The Practice Of Overhealing” (Directed by Katherine Reynolds) premiered as a gallery showing at the Graham Foundation (Chicago, IL), as well as the Museum of Modern Art (New York) as a part of its black voices showcase (2023). His 2022 documentary “Shark Brained” (directed by Monica Cox) won best Cinematography at the St. Louis International Film Festival. Recently his commercial works with Jason Kelce (Philadelphia Eagles) and Garage beer (director, Jordan Phoenix) have taken the advertising world by storm, prompting an article in a publication of “Fast Company” and aided Garage Beer’s rise to number one growing light beer in North America.