The Heroine’s Journey of Fatimah Binta Gimsay

What is the best thing that I love about my work?

It’s truly seeing stories come to life. Nothing beats the feeling of seeing the words on paper brought to life by talented human beings. I’ve been fortunate to work with like minded individuals and they constantly inspire me to do better.

What is my idea of happiness?

Definitely independence and freedom in my own terms. I love living life on my terms. I enjoy being free so much. I cannot imagine being boxed by labels, expectations and people’s assumptions of me.

What is my greatest fear?

I’m claustrophobic. Literally and figuratively.

What is the trait that I most deplore in myself?

I have a strong need to control everything and it’s exhausting. The concept of surrendering is new to me and I’m learning to try it step by step.

Which living persons in my profession do I most admire?

Quinta Brunson, easily. Watching her from Buzzfeed to Emmy winner is so beautiful. I admire her journey and work.

What is my greatest extravagance?

I love dressing up! The greatest sign of me making it will definitely be in my outfits. Oh, I love to look good and I won’t blink to make sure it happens.

On what occasion would I lie?

If/When I’m in danger.

What is the thing that I dislike the most in my work?

The waiting game. A lot of filmmaking is periods of waiting before you’re thrown into madness. I’m extremely impatient and easily bored so I don’t like the waiting game.

When and where was I the happiest, in my work?

On a positive set, I’m happy. In a beautiful writer’s room, you’ll find me the happiest.

If I could, what would I change about myself?

I’d change my need to control and I’d also be less hard on myself.

What is my greatest achievement in work?

I cannot wait for it to happen!

Where would I most like to live?

Dakar, Goa & Montreal

What is my most treasured possession?

Me, myself and I.

What is my most marked characteristic?

Stubbornness and an affinity for the dark side of things.

What is my most inspirational location, in my city?

I live in Lagos, Nigeria. There’s something everywhere. It’s a small city with a large personality.

What is my favourite place to eat and drink in my city?

So many places. Lagos is known for restaurants and cafes always popping up. I love going for Korean BBQ, eating Thai and Chinese food. I love ordering in as well. There’s something for everyone.

What books influenced my life and how?

Things Fall Apart by Chinua Achebe. Purple Hibiscus by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie. Gone Girl by Gillian Flynn. These books validated my love for storytelling.

You Only Die Once. What music would I listen to on my last day?

Maybe Kora music.

Who is my hero or heroine in fiction?

Amy Dunne! That’s my number one girl. I don’t condone her actions but I understand her in and out.

Who are my heroes and heroines in real life?

The amazing people in my life. My mother and my grandmother. The Girlies. My Girlies. Talented and beautiful people I’m fortunate to have.

Which movie would I recommend to see once in a lifetime?

Om Shanti Om.

What role play stories in my life and work?

Every single one!

What do the words ‘You are the storyteller of your own life’ to me?

It’s the backbone of my love for freedom and independence. It’s truly my own life. It’s my mistakes. My failures. My responsibilities. My successes. My this. My that. It’s not up to another person to tell my story. I loathe when people assume and never ask questions, do not write my own story for me.

Who is my greatest fan, sponsor, partner in crime?

My mother. My cousins. My friends!

Which people or companies would I like to work with ?

Quinta Brunson. Ava DuVernay. Zoya Akhtar. Issa Rae.

What project am I looking forward to work on?

I have so many stories to tell. I have so many ideas to bring to life. I will be eternally grateful to work on all of them.

Where can you see me or my work?

Instagram @fatimahgimsay

Twitter/X @fatimahgimsay

Linktree https://linktr.ee/fatimahbintagimsay

What do the words “Passion Never Retires” mean to me?

Nothing. I do believe there’s time for everything and there’s time for when passion is on fire and there’s time for passion to retire.

Which creative professionals should Peter invite to tell their story?

Teniola Aladese. Uyouyou Adia. Genoveva Umeh. Stephanie Dadet. Mayowa Bakare. Chidinma Igbokweuche. Nora Awolowo. Ifeanyi Barbara Chidi. Isioma Osaje. Maryam Atoyebi.

How can you contact me?

Feel free to contact me on any of the social networks mentioned above.

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