Check Out Fatima Diallo’s Story

Today we’d like to introduce you to Fatima Diallo.

Hi Fatima, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
I was in the United States Navy as a Second Class Petty Officer (E-5). I joined in 2013. Toward the end of my 5-year contract, I had to decide whether to reenlist or not. It was a hard decision. I was on deployment on a ship in the middle of the Pacific Ocean. I had been on deployment for about 4 months. I knew I had to take my life seriously and choose what is really meant for me. So I asked myself, “What am I passionate about?”. Then I thought about my favorite class in high school (Digital Harbor High School – Baltimore Maryland), it was a film class. I was so intrigued on everything that happens behind the scenes from start to finish to make a movie. Then that was it. I wanted to be a filmmaker.

The Navy had run its course and it was time to pursue my calling. After research, I came across Savannah College of Art and Design (SCAD). It was ranked as one of the best film schools. I prepared for the application process, applied and got accepted. After the Navy I moved to Atlanta and got both my B.F.A. and M.F.A. in Film and Television from SCAD.

While in school, I got to work in the industry as well gaining experience and credits. Some credits include working with Trina and Towanda Braxton, Karlie Redd, Rotimi, Nzinga Imani, Tisha Campbell and more. I’ve got to work on an NAACP award winning film, “Superman Doesn’t Steal”. I’ve worked on 2 LED volume films. Most of my work includes short and feature films, television, commercials, and music videos.

Finishing my M.F.A., my thesis film, “Pink Isn’t Your Color”, went on to many film festivals some Oscar and BAFTA qualifying. I recently got nominated for an Emmy for “Pink Isn’t Your Color” for best director. The recognition of my thesis film means a lot to me because it tells a story I had wanted to see growing up as queer, African and Muslim. The film is about a secretly queer African-Muslim on the purse of selling candy in hopes of getting her crush her dream bike.

Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
For the most part it’s been smooth due to hardwork, passion and dedication. It was rough since losing my dad in 2020. Then my uncle nearing the end of my graduate degree. I almost didn’t graduate. With words of encouragement from my professor I was able to finish my thesis paper and graduate.

Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I’m a Writer, Director, Producer and 1st AD mainly. I like to say filmmaker because I do pursue other roles for experience. I have PA’d, worked in art department and camera department. I’m pretty versatile. My main strengths and ultimate goal is to be a Writer/Director.

What sets me apart from others is I like to tell stories that are underrepresented. My thesis film for example is an underrepresented story. I’ve always felt like that black sheep and underrepresented, so these are the stories I like to tell. I’m also very much into telling stories from people of color. I’m most proud of my thesis film and being the first in my family to obtain a Masters degree.

Is there any advice you’d like to share with our readers who might just be starting out?
I would say write what matters to you and forget about what people may want or think. It would feel more authentic to your true self and you would be more passionate about it. If you’re not interested in writing, I would say apply this same logic to projects you want to be apart of.

Authenticity is the greatest power on earth. Stay authentic. Stay true to yourself. Fight for that cause you’ve always cared about. Luckily you can do it through art.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://Vimeo.com/fatimadiallo
• Instagram: @__fatimadiallo
• Other: [email protected]