We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Olaa Olabi a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Olaa, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. Can you share a story about the kindest thing someone has done for you and why it mattered so much or was so meaningful to you?
I was set up to shoot a short film I was really passionate about. It was one of my first narrative projects as a DP but the budget was super small. A number of my friends in the industry offered to donate their time and gear to help me bring the quality of the film to the next level. It was truly special and the film was elevated because of this gesture. It was also this generosity that set me up for bigger projects and I will always be grateful for that.
Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.
It was early on when I decided I wanted to shoot for a living. I didn’t have a clue how Hollywood worked or what cinematography meant, all I knew was I loved holding a camera and telling stories with it. Fast forward to my career in the film industry where the feeling is the same but the job has given me more than I ever could have expected. As a cinematographer I’ve had the opportunity to be a part of so many incredible narrative films, music videos, and commercials. Each project submerges me into a new world where I get to explore different ways to communicate and convey emotions. I love to experiment with camera movements and rich colorful lighting. I’ve had the honor of collaborating with great directors and other talented artists and showcase my work all over the world. It’s pretty magical.
What do you find most rewarding about being a creative?
Every project has me diving into a new world. Not only am I telling a story different from the last, but I am also approaching it with a new lens. Making a film comes with a ton of challenges so it’s tremendously rewarding when the vision comes to life the way I planned. The only feeling better than that is seeing how it impacts people once they watch it. I love to create beautiful images but it’s the most satisfying when someone is able to relate to the story the director and I are telling.
Is there a particular goal or mission driving your creative journey?
The push for representation in film in recent years has given us some incredible art and education surrounding other cultures. It’s given a voice to many underrepresented communities, and there are still so many more stories waiting to be told. My goal is to continue this work, especially with stories about women, immigrants, and mental health. As a first generation Syrian American woman, these topics have always been important to me and I want to share my perspective while also connecting with my community. I hope that my work as a cinematographer will also inspire other Middle Eastern women to pursue a career in film.
Contact Info:
- Website: olaaolabi.com
- Instagram: @olaaolabi