Private Project

the sands of time

Anaya, an international student, navigates life alone in a new apartment, finding healing and discovering that home is built through love, memories, and connections.

  • Nana Boncano Haidara
    Director
  • Nana Boncano Haidara
    Writer
  • Peniel Negre
    Writer
  • Patrice Xavier
    Key Cast
    "Anaya"
  • Benjamin Shimwa
    Director of Photography
  • Project Type:
    Short, Student
  • Genres:
    drama, coming of age
  • Runtime:
    14 minutes 24 seconds
  • Completion Date:
    December 1, 2024
  • Production Budget:
    2,500 CAD
  • Country of Origin:
    Canada
  • Country of Filming:
    Canada
  • Language:
    English
  • Shooting Format:
    Digital
  • Aspect Ratio:
    4:3
  • Film Color:
    Color
  • First-time Filmmaker:
    Yes
  • Student Project:
    No
  • Digital Cinema Package:
    Unavailable
  • Digi60 Filmmakers' Festival
    Ottawa
    Canada
    December 6, 2024
    Canada
    official selection
  • Ottawa you film festival
    Ottawa
    Canada
    August 9, 2025
    Canada
    official selection
Director Biography - Nana Boncano Haidara

Nana Boncano is a Malian writer, director, and editor pursuing a BA in Communications at the University of Ottawa, which she began at 16. Since moving to Canada as a child, she has developed a passion for storytelling through photography and videography. She first documented her own life and later expanded into photoshoots and vlogs for others.

Her work includes editing for YouTuber HeyParis and creating documentary-style recaps such as From the Ground Up III by Natasha Kunashe featuring Arlette Amuli. She also filmed behind the scenes for the short poetic film Chasing Mirrors.

Beyond film projects, Nana has served as Director of Media and Videographer for the Communications Student Association and the Black Student Leader Association, where she produced promotional content to amplify student voices. She has also worked as a content creator for her university, using her storytelling skills to engage new audiences.

Recently, Nana launched her own media business, offering photography, videography, and content creation. She was also invited to CBC Radio, where she spoke about her experience as a young filmmaker. Alongside this, she brings experience in website design, graphic design, and social media management. Above all, she sees editing as the place where she can express her creativity most fully, both for herself and for others.

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Director Statement

This project began through the Digi60 microgrant program and was first meant to explore the early stages of being an international student. I moved to Canada at 11 with my sisters, and they were the only things that made me feel connected and at home. After several script revisions, I realized I felt distant from the version I had originally submitted. Over time, the project became much more personal. It turned into my own story about being an international student while also dealing with grief far away from my family. At 17, I lost my older sister, something I never imagined experiencing so young, while also trying to keep up with school, scholarships, and the pressure of making my parents’ sacrifices worth it.

The Sands of Time is my directorial debut and a tribute to my sister. Writing it forced me to confront emotions I had been avoiding, and that process became a small step toward healing. The film reflects the hidden struggles of international students: the weight of expectations, the cultural distance, and the moments of grief we sometimes face alone. With new restrictions on international students in Canada, I wanted to make this film now to remind others that they are not alone, not only in academics but also in the emotional journey that comes with this life.

This film means everything to me. It captures where I was emotionally and mentally while trying to process loss and still move forward. More than anything, this film is for me, for my younger self, and for my future self. It is something I can look back on with pride and also something I can grow from.