najma nuriddin

“Child of the heavens (stars)- My illumination is only a reflection of The Most High”

[nsoromafilms]

Photography

[nsoromafilms]

Euro Travels

Since currently my fiancé and I are majority of the time on two different continents we of course decided we needed to see each-other during this winter break. Not to celebrate the holidays per-say since both of us have different spiritual backgrounds other than Christianity but to spend some nice quality time traveling especially before the wedding. At first we were of course trying to go the island route; Indonesia, Vietnam...etc. We eventually landed on Paris since we both found great plane tix deals from each of our countries. So we prepared for a winter in Europe! I honestly have never been a huge fan of Europe, I’ve never had a desire to travel or live there but of course I’m always open to check something or somewhere out. First off to jump right into it I was so presently surprised by Paris! Yes, it was the coldest city we visited but it was so great to see such a diverse city and see so many people of African descent live their lives and be part of society. Also, folks were so friendly to us, even if our french was horrible and looked lost plenty of the time. Random folks would ask if we were okay while traveling on the train and folks were even offering to help me with my bags! Thats major!!! And my ultimate city in France has to be Marseille. This city felt like North Africa, it was super diverse and laid back. One memory is walking the streets along a street lined with retail stores and along the streetlights, speakers are blasting Bob Marley, how amazing is that. Next we hopped on the train and road to Rome. Along the way we passed Milan, Nice and Cannes what great sight seeing. Rome, totally caught me by surprise. On one side you have living history of ancient ruins which are totally alive and the other side a super urban city covered in graffiti. It was great exploring Rome by night, walking the streets till about 2am. (p.s And seeing all of the resources taken from Africa used to build European empires...that’s an entire different story) And had the best gelato and sweets from a completely random diner next to the train station. I wouldn’t recommend their food but their deserts are amazing. The next morning we took the train to Venice. We both loved Venice greatly, they know how to treat and greet tourists. I was hesitant about checking it out since tourism is kinda becoming a bit too much for the island to handle but it was nice to sneak a peek. We ate lovely pasta and great tiramisu. After Venice we took a flight to Seville. Seville has a tiny town vibe and is extremely adorable because of it ancient Moorish roots which shaped its culture, architecture and much more. But unfortunately the general population isn't very interested in their African history which shaped its civilization. Present day Immigration in Spain overall is lacking so we got plenty of stares of confusion and could count on one hand the amount of Black people we saw or people of color in general. Barcelona was better in the diversity department but most of our West African brothers we saw were hustling and not such much apart of society as a whole. Next we returned to Paris for more exploring, street walking, taking ubers, visiting museums, connecting with friends and having an all around great time. Of course there is much more to stay but here’s just a lil something for the online memory bank. 

Paz!

xoxo 

[nsoromafilms]

View this post on Instagram

Thanks for moving this campaign forward in a great direction! It's only been 2 nights and we truly appreciate those who are steeping forward so we can complete this film! #notinmyneighborhood Thank you #JamesTayler #OrilSetton #LaurenFowlerKlerman #MjAA 🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥 (at Cape Town, South Africa)

[nsoromafilms]

Since the moment I first heard this song in the early 2000's on the Soul Deluxe Mix by Dj Sake 1 I've loved it and had visions of what a music video for it might look like. Every time I played this mix I would imagine a video for it over and over, these visions never seemed to fade. So, I finally decided to act on this imagination. It's such a powerful song in my opinion because unlike many times when love is spotted between two lovers in public, it's ignored or frowned upon. This song simply says "when I see love, between two loves, makes me wanna love again." Love can inspire and uplift. Be happy when you see love and make more of it. xoxo

Original Song by: Lizz Fields "When I See Love" Remix by: ColdFusion Inspired by: Dj Sake 1 Soul Deluxe Mix

Director & Editor: Najma Nuriddin Cinematographer: Kurt Otabenga Benjahman Orderson Lovers: Yumna Martin & Karabo Makenna Seeker: Najma Nuriddin

Location: Cape Town, South Africa

nsosromafilms.com

[nsoromafilms]

1 Year & Counting...

Can you believe how fast time really does fly? I’m approaching my one year mark since living abroad in Cape Town, SA (what a beautiful and complicated space) A lot has been accomplished, a lot of changes made and movements occured. Still keeping busy with all facets of filmmaking (writing, rewriting, filming, editing, watching movies, exploring nature, and deep thinking of course “sometimes a lil too much). 

* Major/Interesting Moments…

- Freelancing in Cape Town (completely different work dynamic/vibe/ethic than in DC/LA) 

- Living in Cape Town (one of the most unequal societies in the WORLD where the Willie Lynch syndrome is SUPER alive and kicking!) 

- Social Life completely changed (sometimes I can totally relate to the Beyonce song “Me Myself & I” Ha!)

- Following my Heart ❤❤ (heart leads the way!) 

- Kind of learning a new language (Afrikaaps) 

- Learning the History of Cape Town (it completely helps me put things in to perspective) 

But I must say, I’m pretty proud of myself to have been able to pack up and move so far from all things comfortable and familiar, HOME. And I’m extremely grateful and thankful to those wonderful souls who have embraced and loved me here in Cape Town  //Hui !Gaeb 

Now since I think I’ve adjusted somewhat here, goals for 2015 are completing production on my documentary and exploring the rest of the continent. My heart greatly desires to see; Ethiopia, Ghana, Morocco and Mozambique.  

Stay Lifted!  ❤

[nsoromafilms]

Places like the Northern Cape, Sea Point, The Slave Lodge Museum, City Centre and Lavender Hill all in South Africa have filled my space lately. 

[nsoromafilms]

Various pix from here and there living in South Africa. Meeting more folks, learning more things. All while breathing 

[nsoromafilms]

7 months and counting...

I recently returned back to Cape Town from my first trip to Johannesburg and it was quite a lovely trip. The sun was shining though I would say it was pretty freezing at night! I saw new sites such as the Cradle of Humankind, visited some museums and met some pretty interesting folks as well. Being away from home (US) I truly appreciate and miss a good circle of folks who surround you that you respect and love, there's nothing like community. So at the moment I'm building my own little one as I explore and learn this new part of the world for myself. It's always great to be around people who make you feel comfortable and also encourage you mentally, physically and spiritually. I even came across two great vegan restaurants! One vegan spot had a super yogi vibe in Greenside, while the other had the typical rustic all natural vegan old school vibe, which I so greatly welcomed, reminding me of my Californian bohemian roots. Aside from that, it was interesting being in the hyped up city called Johannesburg, the place where Mandela lived, the place where Black folks run things, the place that is called the "best" African city. But really, it kinda felt like a very conflicted space. Yes, you have your cool, progressive, open minded folks but you also have these young "hip" folks…who perhaps watched too much BET and Mtv growing up or recently got an overdose of the programming. This is where things got a lil scary. American culture, especially African American culture is so extremely popular around the world. It's nice that we are making connections around the world but unfortunately, at the moment much of the "silly" things are being exported and accepted. Which, for example means everyone and their papa has the right to say the n word…yea not feeling that one so much. Moving on, Jozi also gave me the feeling of an abandoned city. Some parts were very posh and grande, while other areas felt like someone had just packed everything and rolled out. Turns out thats exactly what happened after 1994, knowing the history of apartheid explains this. There still is much work to be done and many injustices to be corrected for a more equal society. We always want to see our folks doing better, being better and thats exactly what I desire. I live in a world of extremes and in a country which makes it so crystal clear. 

Living, Learning, Growing 

xoxo

Najma 

[nsoromafilms]

3 months and counting

still on the journey, still going strong. the conversations are getting more interesting and sometimes more redundant. it still feels wonderful to be shaping my own future and being filled with such excitement and curiosity for this wonderful future. To SA and on.

[nsoromafilms]

2 months and counting...

greetings folks!

this here is my very first post while abroad in cape town, south africa. deciding to make a move is always exciting and unreal until it actually happens. well now its happened, im in the mix. as a filmmaker i can mainly only be extremely excited because this is a time to learn more about the world in which i live, which of course will influence my artwork. surly there are concerns and doubts but its also very liberating. i feel now more artistically free and capable than i've felt in awhile. it feels as though when you are away from your comfortable distractions are you able to get so much more accomplished. my schedule is open and im ready to create. things ive been procrastinating on for months upon months are now being finished in days!

aside from being an artist, im now a temporary capetonian. this place has such extreme histories, sometimes it can seem unreal. at the moment im learning much about the indigenous people of south africa the khoikhoi, san/bushmen. these stories can be very sad and depressing and also very remarkable and inspiring. cape town is still a beautiful place because of its natural landscapes and people but there are also many uncomfortable things about this place that are extreme contracts and contradictions to one another. usually when i meet someone new these issues quickly come up in our discussions. in my mind south africa puts the issues of the world on blast. the ills are so apparent and the ancient genius is so visible.  

[nsoromafilms]

For your viewing pleasure one of my latest collaborations with @grind_stone #grindstoneisfresh many thanks to @nuriddin1300 and #grindstone #enjoy http://vimeo.com/83439917

[nsoromafilms]

Here's one of my very first short documentaries, shot while on winter break. The conditions of young black men were heavy on my mind that day so I went out to see what other folks felt. These interviews are from 2008. Have feelings and conditions changed much?

[nsoromafilms]

Here's to the wonderful folks at Blue Nile Botanicals in Washington DC.  Much Love to the elders ❤ thank you for the moment.

[nsoromafilms]

Attending the Zanzibar International Film Festival to screen "A Lovers Call," was an amazing trip filled with lessons and new experiences. Much love to Zanzibar, the place and the people.

[nsoromafilms]

Yes! Finally got around to editing this footage from a beautiful trip to Cape Town. It's a musical journey. Enjoy ❤

[nsoromafilms]

Another Great Year at #blackstarff So thankful to have been apart of a beautiful panel with amazing folks #HU #love "Howard University and Visualizing Blackness" #hanscharles #hailegerima @lorenlillian @montremissouri ❤ Looking forward to the future!

[nsoromafilms]

Nneka is such a sweet humble soul. it was a pleasure speaking with her. looking forward to building with more artists in the future. 

interviewed by falani afrika

camera/edit by najma nuriddin