We were lucky to catch up with Nicole Panashe recently and have shared our conversation below.

Nicole, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. It’s always helpful to hear about times when someone’s had to take a risk – how did they think through the decision, why did they take the risk, and what ended up happening. We’d love to hear about a risk you’ve taken.

As a creative, I am constantly brainstorming and developing new ideas that come to mind, no matter how big or small. With that, comes the evaluation each of these ideas and seeing which I would like to pursue further. This is where my imagination meets reality. Whether there are budget limitations, lack of resources or limited time, I always try to challenge my creativity in new ways and try something different in whatever project I have next. That in itself can be risky, as I am constantly choosing to step into an unfamiliar space whether in genre, location, collaboration, or style. But I have found that I always feel fulfilled when I am able to apply myself and my ideas to the fullest without feeling regret, rather than playing it safe and being afraid to take the risk.

I recently took a big risk in creating a project I had been wanting to do for a while. It was risky because I decided to film it in South Africa, with a cast and crew of people I had never met before. I also had never directed a romance genre film before, so I was very nervous going into it and was worried that there would be no chemistry between the cast or crew. However, I was pleasantly surprised with how well everyone worked together, and the amazing story and visuals we were able to capture and tell. Though there were tough moments and challenges, I was still able to see the reward in the risks I took and learned lessons to improve on for my next project, which is all I can ask for. Overall, I believe risk taking and being brave encourage purpose and passion in my life, and I hope to continue to take new risks in my future projects.

As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?

I am a Zimbabwean writer, director, and producer currently based in Atlanta, Georgia. I have been working in the film and media industry for about 2 years, and the journey of being a filmmaker has been both exciting and enlightening. The most exciting parts are being able to apply myself creatively to new ideas and concepts that I have, as well as bring them to life while overseeing the production process from start to finish. What makes filmmaking special is the opportunity to create whilst meeting fellow filmmakers and talented people throughout the process. It is a constant place of learning and always provides an opportunity to grow as an artist.

I have always loved films and storytelling because of the ability to communicate emotional themes and thoughts visually. I enjoy using my creative voice to entertain by bringing to life stories that often go unheard, unseen or ignored. I explore thought-provoking, engaging narratives that implore audiences into action, often highlighting global perspectives. ​I enjoy studying and creating work that focuses on the lived experiences of underrepresented communities. I am extremely passionate about stories centering cultural exploration, music, mental health, youth, sports, and often explore these topics in my work through the lens of my own unique perspective. I believe I use the things that make me different and set me apart as my strength, such as my multi-cultural upbringing and athletic background, often reflect these themes in my work.

In terms of my work, this year I was able to create my web series ‘Plus One(+1)’, which was selected and sponsored by SCAD’s Alumni Atelier Program earlier this year. The series is a comedy sketch project that explores experiences of international/foreigners navigating life in America. Being a non-American living in the US, I wanted to make something that felt relatable to other non-citizens and the international community, but also highlight common experiences through the lens of comedy. It was a fun and challenging experience, and I was able to push my creativity to new spaces and learn so much about the world of comedy and what it entails.

I am also proud of the music video I directed for Atlanta’s grammy nominated artist rising artist DaVionne for her debut EP ‘Good Grief’ which released in October. I also recently wrapped filming my debut narrative short film “Totem’, a coming of age African romantic comedy drama that will be released next year.

What’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative in your experience?

I would say the most rewarding thing about being a creative is being able to express myself through so many different outlets. Whether through film and media, or music, sports and dance, the range in which I can rediscover myself and feel inspired are always the best parts of the creative process. I love the adrenaline I experience whenever I have a new idea or conceptualize a thought into something I would actually like to try. The excitement, ambition and overall energy I receive when being creative is so rewarding and motivates me to keep going and trying new things.

Is there a particular goal or mission driving your creative journey?

I use my artistic voice as activism to embody my interests in social education, entertainment and the betterment of the human condition. I hope to one day achieve my ultimate career goal of combining my sports, arts and multi-cultural backgrounds to enrich African entertainment, and create projects in the world of media and sport that give a platform and visibility to African stories and voices.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://vimeo.com/user107756629
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kontimedia/

Image Credits
Darshan Patel Daniella Almona