Is there a particular documentary film or filmmaker that had a major influence on your career?
Spike Lee’s as a director and his debut film “She’s Gotta Have It”.
What motivated you to make your impact video?
The children of Sierra Leone and their indomitable spirit.
Please tell us what camera(s) you shot with primarily – and any other special equipment that you used and why you used it:
We shot with the Sony FX9 primarily and for the moving stedicam like shots we use a Sony FX3 on a Ronin
Please tell us about any special styles or techniques that you used during the production of your film to help tell your story.
We employed a free-flowing, handheld cinema vérité style during the documentary, capturing the raw reality of the subject. Within this framework, we seamlessly integrated a visually stylized poem comprising beautiful, substantive, and striking images. This artistic juxtaposition served to highlight and dramatize the challenges faced by Black beauty.
How did your story evolve from day one, to the very last day in post? Is your story what you thought it would be?
We conducted extensive research and were meticulous in our selection of characters, each representing distinct facets of the skin bleaching epidemic. This was crucial for depicting the varied impact on different individuals. The narrative aligns perfectly with our initial vision. While we made some adjustments during editing, such as maintaining continuity by not constantly cutting away from subjects, there were no significant re-edits or reconsideration of our original storyline. The entire process unfolded organically based on our initial conception.
Please describe the most rewarding experience you had while making this impact video:
I can vividly recall the day as if it were yesterday. Our inaugural film screening took place in Freetown at the Freetong Film Festival in Sierra Leone. I personally covered the expenses, bringing all the children featured in the video to the city where the film was showcased and accommodating them in a hotel. These kids, who had never experienced a hotel stay or restaurant dining due to their impoverished backgrounds, were thrilled by the new and exciting encounter. We achieved top honors for Best Short Documentary at the festival, and the children were elated beyond measure.
The following day brought another meaningful event as an all-girls high school named Hope Academy was invited to view the film. The kids from the movie engaged in a heartfelt conversation with the girls, sharing their personal experiences with skin bleaching and its side effects. The interaction was profoundly personal and impactful, and I couldn’t have been prouder of them, feeling a sense of pride as if they were my own children.
What advice can you give to other impact filmmakers?
Listen to your heart and pursue your passion. Resist the temptation to follow trends or conform to the crowd. Focus on telling the stories that resonate with you personally. The ultimate reward and satisfaction lie in the process of doing the work. If you remain authentic to yourself, accolades and rewards will naturally follow.
While we were under consideration for the 2024 Oscars and didn’t make the shortlist, we gained something far more valuable – the fulfillment of our creative impulses and desires. The act of creation itself is a profound reward.
What’s your favorite part about the filmmaking process and why?
I find pleasure in both the process of writing and the filmmaking experience. It’s during this journey that I’ve come to realize the importance of thorough preparation, as it directly influences the quality of the shoot and the ultimate outcome. While I invest significant time in crafting the story and planning the details for filming on set, my true delight lies in the actual shooting phase. Despite the occasional stress, there’s a genuine satisfaction for me when the carefully devised game plan falls into place, resulting in the creation of stunning visuals on the monitor.
Collaborating with the Director of Photography to set up the shot and working with the talent to bring the scene to life are integral parts of the process. However, I always leave room for spontaneity and inspiration. I don’t actively seek it out, but I remain open to those moments of pure magic that can unexpectedly elevate the entire project.
What’s the one item you always take with you when working out in the field and why?
In response to what I consistently bring to the field, my straightforward answer is my shot list. Whether it’s jotted down in my notebook or stored on my iPad, having it with me is crucial. It serves as a guide, ensuring that I stay focused and don’t overlook any essential elements. I firmly believe that relying on improvisation is not the way to go – that’s for the birds! (LOL). Of course, I might make an exception if you’ve accumulated a substantial number of films, say six or more, then I might give you a pass. 🙂
Please provide a brief description of the work or organization featured in your video:
Situated in the Kono district of Sierra Leone, this documentary film portrays the essence of blackness through the eyes of young individuals navigating the challenges of a skin-bleaching epidemic.
Aged between 13 and 20, the natives of Sierra Leone grapple with the pervasive influence of skin-bleaching products specifically marketed to their community. From friendships strained by colorism to a Muslim girl wrestling with her religious upbringing and altering her appearance, and a talented athlete jeopardizing both career and health due to skin bleaching, this acclaimed documentary intimately follows the lives of six young people affected by the infiltration of skin bleaching practices in their rural surroundings.
While shedding light on billion-dollar industries exploiting impoverished communities by promoting complexion lightening, regardless of the detrimental effects on health and well-being, the film also celebrates the inherent beauty of these young individuals and reinforces their sense of identity. Titled “Ifine”—a Krio term signifying beauty—the documentary masterfully captures the courage of these youth to be seen and heard.
What have you learned about the value and impact of the project?
I discovered that the process of creating this film itself has been therapeutic. Releasing this film into the world has served as a profound outlet for me, with the intention of raising awareness and inspiring action. The satisfaction comes not only from the personal release but also from the belief that I’ve contributed to the betterment of humanity. The impact extends beyond the participants in the film to everyone who watches it.
Post-screenings, witnessing people’s emotional reactions, tears, and empathy towards the struggles faced by the youth in Sierra Leone regarding beauty has been powerful. Many have reflected on their own childhood and adulthood challenges, finding parallels in dealing with similar societal pressures. My hope is that these emotional connections will prompt individuals to take action in their own ways, contributing to the effort to halt the skin-bleaching epidemic, and furthering awareness by spreading the message.
Please share a personal story about your experience making this impact video:
I have a personal connection with many of the kids as I frequently visit Sierra Leone. During filming, we unexpectedly encountered a little girl, likely around two years old, whose mother was applying skin-bleaching products to her—an incredibly disturbing sight. This discovery happened purely by accident on the last day of filming, and we swiftly set up to capture this story. The father posed a challenge, expressing reluctance towards our filming, while the mother welcomed us to document the process. Concerningly, we shot the footage rapidly, and I doubted we had enough material to construct a coherent story.
Upon searching for the footage during the editing phase, it seemed to have vanished. Despite examining all the clips, we couldn’t locate it. To my surprise, when we eventually found it, the reason for its elusiveness became clear. Our talented DP, Antonio, never stopped rolling the camera. He maintained continuous filming from the beginning to the end, fearing we might miss something or the father would intervene. In a race against time, with the father’s resistance looming, Antonio’s decision to keep the camera rolling proved invaluable. Ultimately, we captured the entire story in one uninterrupted 45-minute clip. I felt proud of our accomplishment, and it stands out as the most compelling story in the film.
What do you want audiences to take away from this video?
My goal is for the audience to gain insight into the experiences of these children in Sierra Leone and to prompt reflection on the broader global issues surrounding beauty. I want viewers to contemplate how these themes resonate with their own lives and the challenges they’ve faced as a result. Beauty standards are a universal concern, and by exploring the struggles of these children, I hope to encourage viewers to consider their own relationship with beauty and its societal implications.
Please list key points that should be covered in a post-screening discussion:
Below are essential topics to be addressed in a post-screening discussion:
– Examination of Western or European Beauty Standards and their repercussions.
– Exploration of Colonialism – its historical legacy and contemporary effects.
– Personal reflections on how audience members perceive themselves and the impact of societal beauty standards on their lives.
– Discussion on the profit motives of corporations that capitalize on societal insecurities.
– Analysis of the role of social media in shaping beauty ideals and perceptions.
Please provide information on any recent developments regarding the issue or subjects of the video. How have things changed or not changed?
The issue of skin bleaching continues to escalate. Without acknowledging and addressing its underlying causes, we remain ensnared in its grip. While most of the individuals featured in the video have ceased skin bleaching, one young female athlete persists despite being informed of the hazardous effects of bleaching creams. Her addiction to achieving a lighter complexion stems from internalized beliefs that darker melanated skin is either cursed by a higher power or lacks beauty. Witnessing her struggle is disheartening, yet she mirrors the experiences of countless other young girls who share her sentiments.
What opportunities are available for those interested in getting further involved?
For those passionate about addressing the issue of skin bleaching, there are several ways to get further involved. If you’re an educator, consider inviting me and our film to your school for a forum discussion. Stay updated by following us on social media for upcoming events and initiatives.
Additionally, I run an Arts Academy located in the Kono District of Sierra Leone, where the film was shot. We warmly welcome volunteers and charitable donations to support our mission. Visit our website at Adisababaacademy.com for more information. Our primary goal is to empower children to redefine beauty according to their own standards and inspirations.
Please provide any additional resources (websites, links to additional videos, forms, articles, etc.) relevant to the context of the issue discussed in your video:
https://www.byrdie.com/skin-bleaching. ifinedocumentary.com. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IcMCx7sz2sg. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rlPHzAHtxHo
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