Podcast Summary: Kat on the Loose

Episode: FILM DIRECTOR ABENI NAZEER
Host: Kat Zammuto
Guest: Abeni Nazeer
Release Date: June 19, 2024

Episode Overview

In this vibrant and candid episode, Kat Zammuto sits down with Abeni Nazeer: film director, producer, and owner of Abeni Productions, best known for the psychological thriller Sin and acclaimed music videos. Together, they explore what it's like to be a woman thriving in a male-dominated film industry, the power of storytelling to spark social change, and personal journeys of passion, identity, and resilience. Their conversation is rich with humor, emotion, and insight—a testament to both women's unfiltered perspectives and determination.

Key Discussion Points

Meeting & First Impressions: Women Leading on Set

• Kat recounts meeting Abeni on the set of a music video for Abeni’s brother, I Am Results, describing her as the commanding—yet warm and supportive—"boss lady" leading a male-dominated crew.
  "You are the boss lady of everything... and I was very, very impressed by how well you knew your game." (04:01)

Abeni's Origins & Creative Philosophy

• Abeni shares starting creative pursuits in childhood (drawing, painting, photography), discovering filmmaking at age 15.
• She rejects the notion of working “in the industry,” instead preferring a passion-first, community-focused approach rooted in her Baltimore upbringing and peer-to-peer nonprofit work.
• Abeni’s biggest inspirations come from "real people and real stories" rather than other filmmakers:

  "When I started film, I didn't even know it was a job... I grew up in peer-to-peer organizations and nonprofit organizations, so it was so much like passion and love—just a different approach to filmmaking." (05:18)

Directing with Vision & Empathy

• Abeni discusses crafting the music video Deep as a short film with a cinematic approach—collaborating closely with artists to translate their vision and background into powerful visual stories.
• Her process emphasizes listening to artists, tailoring every project, and envisioning their potential:

  "I just try to create something that represents them... what would their followers want to see?" (09:08)

Female Leadership in Film–Challenges & Tactics

• The conversation explores working on male-dominated sets and the importance of seeing women in creative leadership.
• Surprisingly, Abeni experienced few direct obstacles as a woman, often leveraging assumptions or using them to her advantage:

  "I don't think of things as the negative aspect... Maybe there was negative aspects that I just didn't realize." (20:40)

• Yet she acknowledges moments where her authority was ignored in favor of male companions—a subtle but recurring slight in the industry:

  "They would just ignore me... not acknowledge me and just talk to the men." (21:24)

The Emotional Power of Storytelling: Deep Music Video

• Kat describes acting in Deep, a narrative exploring police violence and tragic loss, and how Abeni’s kind yet clear direction unlocked emotional depth in the performance.

  "It was a music video, but like... almost like a short film. Very powerful and very emotional." (08:42)

• They discuss the emotionally taxing but rewarding process of shooting and editing intense scenes and the privilege of telling essential, socially relevant stories.

Family, Passion, and Staying Genuine

• Abeni’s family played a supportive role in her filmmaking journey; she works closely with family in her projects and new company, despite industry advice against “working with loved ones.”
• She emphasizes passion, authenticity, and the importance of positive energy. If collaborators aren’t a good vibe, she swiftly moves on:

  "If it's not the right energy I'd be like, 'This not going to work.'" (43:07)

Women Supporting Women—Collaboration Over Competition

• Both women discuss the importance of collaboration, mutual empowerment, and refusing to see each other as competition.

  "Let's collaborate... There's room for everybody. We can tell endless stories." (30:03)

• Abeni describes building a female-heavy leadership team for her upcoming horror film, Rush.

Navigating Relationships, Growth, and Self-Care

• Candid conversation about ending a 15-year relationship, being open to dating, and learning to focus on self-worth and growth as an adult woman.

  "I'm open to dating right now. I'm just really, like, focusing on myself and working." (33:54)

• The importance of lifestyle compatibility in relationships—using the example of JLo and Ben Affleck—over just age or chemistry.

Notable Quotes and Memorable Moments

• On Not Chasing Industry Recognition:
  "It's a privilege to be able to tell people's stories... When I started, I didn't even know it was a job." — Abeni (05:36)
• On Female Presence in Film:
  "It's amazing there are certain women really paving the way and knocking doors... We are not going to stop telling stories." — Kat (18:54)
• On Collaborating with Family:
  "All my work is like that. It's so—everyone who works for my company is like family." — Abeni (40:01)
• On Staying True to Passion:
  "I fall in love with the process more than the outcome. For me, just making it, meeting people, learning from them, working together—that's more rewarding than how much money I made or an award." — Abeni (41:29)
• On Women Empowering Women:
  "I wish you could see her work because it's very inspiring... I love when I see women taking charge and telling stories." — Kat (25:05)
• On Advice to Dreamers:
  "Go after your dreams to the fullest. Don't let nobody stop you or hold you back." — Abeni (48:57)

Timestamps for Important Segments

• 03:18: Kat introduces Abeni and their first meeting on the set.
• 04:38: Abeni's creative beginnings and passion for film.
• 07:41: Exploring the story behind the music video "Deep."
• 09:08: Abeni’s directorial approach and moving from work-for-hire to passion projects.
• 14:54: Transition from self-taught filmmaker to features and social impact storytelling.
• 18:14: Navigating male-dominated spaces and refusal to follow industry “rules.”
• 19:55: Addressing biases and how gender impacted industry interactions.
• 22:11: Using misassumptions to her advantage and why Abeni never dwells on negatives.
• 25:05: Kat on the need for more women like Abeni in film.
• 25:52: Details on Abeni’s feature film Sin, starring Louis Gossett Jr.
• 30:03: Honoring the power of women’s collaboration over competition.
• 33:54: Candid discussion on relationships, self-care, and dating as a creative woman.
• 39:24: Sneak peek into upcoming horror film Rush and its familial creation.
• 43:07: Abeni’s philosophy on team-building and “nipping bad energy in the bud.”
• 45:51: Building a female-led crew for upcoming projects.
• 47:51: Final words on persevering, manifesting, and empowering the next generation.

Final Takeaways

• Stay Passion-Driven: Whether it’s film, music, or podcasting, genuine passion and authenticity stand out—and can be more rewarding than fame or fortune.
• Collaborate, Don’t Compete: Especially for women and minorities in entertainment, uplifting each other brings greater mutual success.
• Go After Your Dreams: Resist the urge to conform to industry “shoulds.” Forge your own path, stay true to your instincts, and never let obstacles (real or perceived) stop you.

Follow Abeni Nazeer on Instagram: @abeninazeer
Watch the Deep music video featuring Kat on YouTube and social channels (links in the episode notes).

Host’s closing mantra:
"Go after your dreams, to the fullest. Don't let nobody stop you or hold you back." (48:57)