Friday, 15th August 2025

Making Silent Verses has been one of the most profound experiences of my career, as this is a project I have been looking forward to making for years. The project was born from passion, necessity, and curiosity. And, it’s my reflection on identity and a unique way I believe friendships are built. But beyond the screen, the project is a mirror of my growth as a storyteller and human.  

Why This Film?

The idea for Silent Verses emerged from personal experience, observation, and artistic inspiration. I wanted to explore a simple story of friendship, not just for audiences but for myself. Film, for me, has always been a way to process the world, to amplify silenced voices, challenge assumptions, or sit with the beauty of human nature. With this project, I sought to reimagine a familiar narrative and put a character like myself, a boy, on screen. As a storyteller, I feel a responsibility to tell stories that give the boy child space, visibility, and voice.

The Process

Making Silent Verses was humbling, from funding to shooting conditions, and unexpected events. The intent was to shoot for three days, but we had to cut it down to two due to budget implications. The first day of the shoot was almost tragic as one of the crew members was involved in an accident. That news broke the production team, but we had to keep pushing thanks to the emotional support of the crew members. Shooting the film reshaped my understanding of the story and myself, and I’m endlessly grateful to the cast and crew, whose talents and trust carried the vision forward.  

As a team, we are simply grateful for the chance to bring this film to life. I must proudly sing the praises of Nana Aisha Salaudeen—Film Producer, Journalist, and Co-founder of Vistanium Studios, whose enormous support has been invaluable to this journey. I am also deeply thankful to every collaborator who has contributed their time, talent, and energy to making Silent Verses possible.

What It Means for My Career

This film marks a turning point, or rather a return to creative freedom. Shooting the film has taught me that constraints breed creativity and stories find their shape. Professionally, it has solidified my desire to keep making work that questions, entertains, and feels true to myself. Personally, it reminded me of why I fell in love with cinema and the process of turning ideas into shared emotional experiences.  

To the Audience

If Silent Verses resonates with viewers, I hope it’s because of its authenticity. My greatest wish is that it revives empathy and understanding between us, the same way its creation did for me.