#25: Ayanda Iman Sadek
This week we are joined by emerging writer, director & producer, Ayanda Iman Sadek, who tells us more about interactive artwork, her preference for simple Films, The Kite Runner (2003), and more!
Born with a passion for storytelling, self-expression through art and the visual medium of film, Ayanda Iman Sadek (she/her) is an upcoming writer, director and producer. The stories Ayanda tells are usually inspired by her own complex experiences; her diverse cultural upbringing in a multi-ethnic family; and the different ways human beings have come to make sense of life, purpose, and the universe beyond. Ayanda, who has just begun her young career, has already written, and produced two short films on her own. She is currently working on a few more that she aims to release in the year of 2023.
We welcome her to The FRM Newsletter to share what she’s been into recently.
🎨🤹♀️ Art: Play with it
Interactive artwork is where it’s at for me. I’ve never been one for gazing upon fine art and that has absolutely nothing to do with the fine artists themselves or their work. It’s about consumption. And how I personally like to consume. I REALLY REALLY REALLY LIKE TO INTERACT WITH ART. Like Film (an artform which cannot function without audience engagement and participation), interactive artwork is created for the function of human engagement: at times intellectually, at times physically. Through engagement and interaction with pieces, we too in a way become a part of the art work. Whether it be physical or mental, we imprint on art through our engagement with it. Recently, I was lucky enough to witness the work of Igshaan Adams at his studio residency at Zeitz MOCAA. Within this studio space, Adams and his team are experimenting with movement, dance, culture, art production and the construction of meaning. If I say too much more, I’m afraid I may rob you of the feeling that comes from walking into a space with no expectations, and having what happens in that space transcend everything you ever thought it could be.
You have until the 23 April to 2023. 10:00 – 18:00, every day.
https://zeitzmocaa.museum/exhibition/exhibitions/igshaan-adams-not-working-working-title/
🎬📒 F I L M
My relationship with film is hella inconsistent… It’s always subject to change. A few years ago, it was:
Feature Films.
Plot lines premised on drama / thriller or a mixture of both.
Complex character arcs and development.
A24-Styled Cinematography.
Action found in the form of the ‘everyday’, the mundane.
A reflection of reality.
Unrewarding conclusions.
But a rewarding cinematic experience.
… But now, I can’t stand films like this. Today, it’s more:
Tense films don’t compliment a tense life.
But you know what does?
Mindless TV.
Predictable plot lines.
Interesting characters, whom we tap into just below the surface.
Simple costume design.
Simple cinematography.
Simple sound design.
Just Simple, Simple, Simple. But enough to leave you with a warm feeling in your heart.
“To be an auteur of film, consuming the work of the auteurs who precede you is of great value” – No one actually said this, but it’s implied ALL THE TIME (2022).
My advice would be to watch the films that feel right. You are never bound to any one style. You’re allowed to consume bad TV just as much as you’re allowed to consume cinematic masterpieces. It will not make you any more of a less of an artist. Simply, f*ck everyone and their perceptions. Just watch what makes you fucking glow inside!
✍️😊 My Books tend to mirror the way I like to write
Simple. To the point. Rich with emotion. A writer that does this perfectly, is Khalid Hossieni. When it comes to Khalid’s work, everyone has a boner for The Kite Runner (2003), which was developed into a feature in 2007. But so many haven’t blessed themselves by reading Khalid’s other work. I strongly recommend laying your hands and eyes on And the Mountains Echoed (2013) and A Thousand Splendid Suns (2007). After those two, just go and read everything else please *insert crying emoji*.
🧭🧳 Travel & Lifestyle
Seeing the world is fundamental to the overall process of self-development. If you’re able to, do it. It doesn’t really matter where you go. And as tempted as I am to write about my own travels (and advocate for Croatia as being the best place I’ve ever been), I think it’s more important to advise those who read this to approach the act of travel subjectively. It’s normal to have a bucket list full of destinations you wish to see before you die, but never underestimate the limitlessness of travel. If you cannot afford to travel far, travel near. We’re all in a rush to see far beyond our borders (understandably so), but forget how much we leave undiscovered in our own home countries. There are lesson to learn, cultures to explore and new perspectives to gain right outside your home city. All you need to do is find a will, because I promise you, there’s always a way.
Go.