Lief sign acclaimed director Misan Harriman.

8 May 2025

The acclaimed British-Nigerian director Misan Harriman has joined the roster at Lief for commercial representation. Harriman, whose short film 'The After' was nominated for an Oscar in 2024, is a director whose talent and ambition makes him a perfect fit for Lief's mission.

Lief's Margo Mars describes her new signing Misan Harriman as a "a one-of-a-kind that I dream about collaborating with. The rare package of talent, vision, and presence. In a word:

legend." Harriman is as well known for his photography as he is for his filmmaking, but didn't really begin either, in earnest, until he hit 40. Plainly, he is one of those rare individuals with the talent and determination to become a success at whatever he turns his hand to.

Harriman's accomplishments are considerable. He was one of the key photographers of the Black Lives Matter movement, and was the first Black man to shoot a cover of British Vogue in the magazine's 104-year history. In July 2021, Harriman was invited to become chair of the board of trustees for the Southbank Centre.

“

In a tender directorial debut, celebrated photographer Misan Harriman expands the aperture of his work to reveal a lovely embrace of narrative cinematic storytelling, featuring a blistering performance by the always brilliant David Oyelowo.

”

Ava DuVernay            

Harriman's truly astonishing achievement though, and the one that must been part of why Margo Mars decided to invite him to join her roster, was his nomination for an Oscar with his debut short film, 'The After', which starred David Oyelowo as a man who has lost his family in a stabbing spree.

Misan Harriman is as pleased to be on board with Lief as they are to have him: "I’m very excited to be represented by Lief. They are fierce allies to their artists and consistently create memorable and unflinching work. Since their formation, they have passionately used their voice and formidable talents to support the underrepresented, always striving to do the right thing. I believe the advertising and branding industry has a significant opportunity to change culture at a time when the stakes are so high. Storytellers matter, and Lief truly sees this."

For more, contact Margo Mars using margo@lief.studio.