Crafting 'Sister': Inside Akorede Zaynab Hassan's First Film Project

When Akorede Zaynab Hassan first received the call from her friend, the director of "Sister", she had no idea how much her life was about to change. Known for her stunning work as a model and photographer, she was thrilled to dive into the world of film as the art director.

This transition wasn’t just a career move; it was the beginning of a beautiful collaborative journey that brought a unique visual narrative to life.

"Sister", a short film that expores deep into themes of love and resilience, required a delicate touch and a keen eye for detail. Akorede was more than ready for the challenge. Despite her fresh start in film, she brought along a wealth of experience in visual storytelling from her modeling and photography background.

The director had a clear vision for "Sister," and it was this vision that resonated deeply with Akorede. "The storyline and director’s vision sold me out," she shared. "I was excited to bring my creative skills to help bring this story to life." Her passion for visual aesthetics found a new canvas in the world of film.

Collaboration was at the heart of this project. Akorede worked closely with the director and production designer to ensure that every visual element of "Sister" was meticulously planned at pre- production and executed. "We shared ideas and pictures to create a uniform look," she explained. Her photographic eye played a crucial role here, as she contributed to refining the film's appearance.

One of the key processes in achieving the film’s distinctive look was location scouting. "We did location recces and created a plan tailor-fit for the locations we had access to," she said. Lighting was another critical element, requiring significant effort from the Director of Photography (DOP) and his team. Together, they arranged scenes to be visually balanced and infused with a sense of nostalgia.

Akorede's collaborative spirit shone through in every aspect of the production. "It was a teamwork effort, and I enjoyed working together with everyone on set," she said. This camaraderie was essential, especially when tackling the challenges of her first film project. Learning the language of film and adapting to new terminologies was tough, but she found solace in the director's guidance and the supportive environment of the team.

Her previous experience in modeling and photography wasn't left behind; it was integral to her approach. "I used my skills to make the film look good too," she stated. This involved choosing colors, designing sets, and ensuring everything looked visually cohesive and appealing.

The culmination of these efforts was a visually stunning film that tells a powerful story. "Sister" stands out not just for its narrative but for the rich, evocative imagery that draws viewers in. "We added props and elements that made the scenes feel authentic and filled with nostalgia," she elaborated. Every visual decision was made with the intent to immerse the audience fully into the world of "Sister."

Reflecting on her journey, Akorede spoke fondly of the memorable moments on set, such as when an actor broke down during an emotional scene, bringing a raw and real performance that left a lasting impact on everyone present. These experiences highlighted the emotional depth that the visual storytelling aimed to complement.

Completing "Sister" was a significant milestone for Akorede, marking the start of what promises to be a flourishing career in film. Her reflections on the project are filled with pride and anticipation for what lies ahead. She aspires to continue creating visually compelling narratives that touch people's hearts, exploring new genres and styles along the way.

As "Sister" heads into the film festival circuit before its pay per view release, there’s a palpable sense of excitement and hope for its success. For Akorede Zaynab Hassan, this project was more than just a job; it was a testament to the power of collaboration and the beauty of bringing a story to life through visuals.