SHANGO - AFI 2ND YEAR VISUAL ESSAY

Hi my name is Pascale.

I am in my final year as a cinematography fellow at the American Film Institute. As a cinematographer I see storytelling as both a gift and privilege. I am empowered by making intentional messages with new perspectives while enriching voices that may not have been previously heard. I believe in doing so with utmost intention and care.

Art by Àsìkò

Shangó, is a visual essay that explores Nigerian tradition and ritual specific to the Yoruba stories. Shangó is the Yoruba God of lightning and fire. The story follows Shola, a Yoruba priestess, who summons Shangó. We explore her conscious and subconscious mind until finally she is met with him face to face. The piece explores connection between worshipper and Deity. With this story I am delving into transporting audiences on a journey that examines nonlinear magical realism.

The 2nd Year Visual Essay is an opportunity for Cinematographers to express their individuality as film makers. It is also a project that is entirely funded by the Cinematography fellows. It is truly a film that comes from the heart. The project is entirely dependent on visual language to tell the story with no dialogue and is shot on 35mm film rather than with a digital camera. Your donation will be put towards the cost of location, production design, costume design, truck rental, feeding the crew, and post production color grading and VFX.

Thank you so much for your time and energy. I am so excited to be able to share this journey with you.

Love,

Pascale R. Williams