The Beauty Within Kansuda an Interview with Film Maker Aaraf Adam
Aaraf Adam is a twenty-year-old Sudanese-American, Muslim creator and filmmaker. She produces narrative art with intention and heart. Focusing on collaborating with Black artists and storytellers, she aims to uplift continental and diasporic Black women with emblematic experiences, particularly those in underrepresented communities such as Black Muslim women. Aaraf’s productions depict a glimpse into her creative mind. She’s directed and produced all of her released work -- unraveling what it means to wonder and to be lost, to ultimately find one's self through self-expression and contentment. Aaraf is a mere seed and glimpse into the search and power of identity. This is only her beginning. The beginning of her story. The beginning of representation and space to amplify others.
“The Beauty Within” is a short film following sisters Aaraf and Abrar Adam on their journey to find their individuality, voice, and strength. These women embody the power of Black female heroism through their vulnerability and unity. The silent interaction between these sisters showcases the power and perseverance that lies within each of us— the beauty within. The film features ballerinas Sydnie Collins and Audrey Malek performing as guiding fairies, leading the main characters through their journey of self-identity. The audio throughout is a poem written to serve as a reminder that
“Black, Indigenous and women of color must always be present, visible and amplified.”
Q: Can you share something you've learned from creating this body of work that would resonate with our community?
AA: Being your most authentic self. Presenting your truest intention and genuine nature allows people to connect with you on a really meaningful level. It allows your art to truly resonate and move people.
Q: What types of expectations for women and/or women artists are most frustrating and challenging to you?
AA: The need to confine within what people want to see versus what they want to portray to others. Oftentimes we settle and categorize ourselves to fit industry and commercial standards instead of being assertive and vocal about who we are and what we stand for TO industries and the masses.
Q: Tell us about your work process! What was the motivation behind this film?
AA: This was the first idea I had that birthed KanSuda into fruition. KanSuda. Named after Al Kandaka aSudania, one of the original Nubian queens, KanSuda is a creative media agency that features and collaborates with Black artists and storytellers. We uplift continental and diasporic Afro-Black women in different societies around the world, in addition to BIPOC women in underrepresented communities such as Afro-Black, Muslim, and Pasifika women. Our foundation is storytelling, giving unheard and unseen individuals space to begin to tell their stories.
This is very personal and a bit of a vulnerable film for me. It was peak healing at a point where I was delving into self-love and identity, aiming to encourage the importance of perseverance and individuality. It started out as a poem that led to a music composition that bloomed into a film with beautiful ballerinas. In addition to rising above your oppressors, especially as Black women. I wanted to depict the physical beauty of Black and African women within a society that aims to cripple them. Noting that despite all of these obstacles, Black women continue to rise above, showcasing their individuality, perseverance, and strength.
Q: What types of expectations for women and/or women artists are most frustrating and challenging to you?
AA: The need to confine within what people want to see versus what they want to portray to others. Oftentimes we settle and categorize ourselves to fit industry and commercial standards instead of being assertive and vocal about who we are and what we stand for TO industries and the masses.
Q: What does being a feminist mean to you?
AA: Not limiting your activism to one group and actively standing in solidarity with ALL oppressed groups. It is also bridging your gap in knowledge if you don't understand something that isn't in your comfort zone without any judgment of misconceptions.
Q: Do you have any upcoming events, exhibitions, or news you'd like to share?
AA: KanSuda is open to new work with partners that align with our mission!
Q: What is your advice to young and aspiring women artists?
AA: Connect and spread love everywhere and in everything you do. Don't do anything for others but note the impact and power you have to move others. Know that anything is possible and you don't need the experience to be an artist just start and never stop. Be visible. As Black, Indigenous, and women of color must always be present, visible, and amplified. KanSuda is just the beginning — a singular depiction of the simplicity one can transcend amidst a chaotic reality.
Created and Written by Aaraf Adam- @aarafxadam
Directed and Voice Over by Aaraf Adam -@aarafxadam
Co-Directed by Jordan Betine -@jordanbetine
Talent: Abrar Adam @abrawrr + Aaraf Adam- @aarafxadam
Dancers: Audrey Malek @audgemalek + Sydnie Chandler Monet - @sydnie.collinss
Choreography: Audrey Malek @audgemalek + Sydnie Chandler Monet - @sydnie.collinss
Makeup by: Emily Bravo- @bravosbeauty
Styling Director: Aaraf Adam
Wearing: Anastasia Bull - @anastasia.bull + Emily Omesi @emilyomesi
Cinematography by: Jordan Betine + Jeff Prioleau- @jeprioleau
Video Editor: Eauxby- @eauxby
Production Assistants: Anfal Adam- @anfalls + Abrar Adam- @abrawrr + Maurcell Melton- @cell_melton
Music Produced by Felix Tanyi - @felixtheforager
Music Mixed/Mastered by Alexa Casino -@emocasino
Follow @aarafxadam and @kanxsuda
