“Don’t wait to start creating”: How a young storyteller blossomed on the silver screen
Updated | By Beautiful News
This young director’s big screen debut is a blend of ethereal colour and powerful messaging.
Dreams, desires and destinies are tricky waters to navigate – especially when you’re a teenager. All Katya Abedian knew was that she had stories to tell. “I truly wanted to create something that I wish existed,” Abedian says. So she took a brave step into the world of cinematography. Trusting her instincts, Abedian began moulding her own narrative. Her film, Skin Diver, is a dreamy exploration of what it means to accept yourself when the world expects the opposite. To souls struggling to reconcile their differences, Abedian encourages them to hold true to themselves.
“People often forget that our individuality is what makes us powerful,” Abedian says. As an African-Iranian living in South Africa, Abedian understands the feeling of being different. Her journey of filmmaking is rooted in the Bahá'í faith, which emphasises equality. It’s also an extension of herself. Inspired by directors Wes Anderson and Sofia Coppola, Abedian focuses on stories of vulnerability that explore the gentleness within us. Dedicated to her vision, the artist wrote, directed, and produced her first piece independently.
At the premiere of Skin Diver last year, whispers of awe wafted from the audience as a wash of ethereal colour filled the screen. The movie nabbed Best South African Student Film at the 2018 Jozi Film Festival. Its touching message sent waves through the local cinema industry, as well as the hearts of youth searching for their own voice. “My hope is that they don’t wait for permission to start creating,” Abedian says. In every one of us, there’s a story to be told.
DON'T FORGET TO CHECK OUT THESE OTHER BEAUTIFUL NEWS ARTICLES:
From fabric scraps to Paris runways: This is how dreams materialise
Frogs don’t speak Zulu, but they do communicate our need for connection
Show's Stories
-
Keep a watchful eye on your friends this December
As we head into the December holidays, keep an eye on your friends and f...
Danny Guselli 8 hours ago -
Durbanite addresses couples in malls during December
Is it appropriate for couples to hold hands while shopping in busy place...
Danny Guselli 8 hours ago