M.F.A. in Film (Cinematography track) at Ohio University
B.A. in Film Studies at the University of Cape Coast, Ghana
Biography
Emmanuel K. Gbede, is an Assistant Teaching Professor of Production in the Department of Media, Journalism & Film at Miami University and a filmmaker and cinematographer whose creative and pedagogical practice is grounded in experiential learning.
Gbede earned his M.F.A. in Film, with a concentration in Cinematography, from Ohio University and his B.A. in Film Studies from the University of Cape Coast in Ghana, where he was recognized as the Best Graduating Film Student. His ongoing creative and academic interests explore the relationship between filmmaking, culture, visual research and emerging production technologies.
His work spans narrative, documentary, and live media production, with experience as a cinematographer, camera operator, editor, director, and creative collaborator on short and feature films, documentaries, commercials, music videos, and multimedia productions. His creative practice approaches cinematography not simply as image-making, but by using composition, light, movement, sound, and visual perspective to advance any narrative.
Gbede's teaching is grounded in experiential and practice-based learning. He believes students develop as filmmakers by moving continuously between theory, observation, experimentation, and production. His courses emphasize collaboration, creative problem-solving, ethical storytelling, and professional production practices.
As an educator, Gbede is particularly interested in helping students discover their individual creative voices while preparing them for collaborative careers across film, television, digital media, journalism, and strategic communication. He views the classroom as a creative laboratory where students are encouraged to experiment, learn through making, reflect on failure, and develop the confidence to translate ideas into purposeful media. Beyond production, strong leadership, teaching and creative practice, Emmanuel is committed to mentoring emerging filmmakers and individuals interested in media production.
