N'DOBINE
Beneath the aesthetics of fine art imagery lies a spiritual theme. “N’DOBINE” explores a concept inspired by Ọdịnala - the traditional and spiritual worldview of the Igbo people of Nigeria (Biafra).
The main character (The Traveler) is physically navigating checkpoints within his own heart space - revisiting his past. With the assistance of a guide, he makes an offering as the experience takes form. After experiencing the heart space, he yearns to loop back into it until he meets a mystifying obstacle - a travesty transpired, impacting his only source of offerings.
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Ahmad CisséDirector
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Ahmad CisséWriter
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Ahmad CisséProducer
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Jay McKenzieKey Cast
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Kadia BaKey Cast
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Kayra TheodoreKey Cast
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Papi DiagneKey Cast
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Alassane DiaKey Cast
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Amaya SantiagoKey Cast
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Tahj DossoKey Cast
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Robert ProvilusKey Cast
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Kevin "GK" FrederickCinematography
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David WilliamsCamera Operator
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Jabari BrowneEditor
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Kevin "GK" FrederickColorist
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The DojoRecording Studio
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KamauuVocalist
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Aveiri FanfairDrums
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Malang JobartehKora
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Kenneth Misael PinedaSound Design Engineer
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Kenneth Misael PinedaAudio Recording & Mixing
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Kevin "GK" FrederickPhotography
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Angel's Jewelry New YorkAccessories
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Project Type:Experimental, Short
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Runtime:6 minutes
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Completion Date:December 31, 2025
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Production Budget:1,000 USD
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Country of Origin:United States
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Country of Filming:United States
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Shooting Format:16mm
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Aspect Ratio:1.66:1
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Film Color:Color
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First-time Filmmaker:Yes
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Student Project:No
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Digital Cinema Package:Unavailable
Ahmad is a Brooklyn-based multidisciplinary artist and community builder from Sénégal. His communal ambitions are reflected in his projects. He is the co-founder of Jollof Films - a non-profit cinema club with monthly activations for African cinema. He’s also co-founder of WESHHH - a Pan-African artist collective merging storytelling and community. Ahmad is also a fashion model who has worked with the likes of GQ, UGG, Tommy Hilfiger, Moncler, Daily Paper, Nike, etc.
"N'Dobine" is a project that reflects my monologues. Here, I'm exploring a spiritual concept found in Odinala and how it translates to wisdom through practicality - thus bringing it full circle.
This project affirmed to me that the actions we take based on spiritual conviction do have the potential to lead us to its source of reason. Therefore, providing an understanding of universal concepts tailored to one's personal journey.