Shedrack Salami is a Lagos-based cinematographer, video editor, and visual artist with an extensive background in film, television, entertainment, and art. His filmmaking journey began with his passion for visual expression, drawing from skills honed through various art forms.

Starting as a graphic designer in 2015 during his B.Sc. program at Kogi State University, Shedrack transitioned to fine art in 2018, focusing on body art to address social issues such as drug abuse, sexual violence, electoral violence, xenophobia, and COVID-19. His impactful works gained media attention, earning him a hall of fame award in 2019 as Kogi State’s most creative/versatile artist.

In 2020, he expanded into photography, capturing emotions and stories across Lagos and Nigeria. By 2021, he settled on a career in cinematography and video post-production.

Shedrack has worked on multinational projects, including documentaries, commercials, and brand videos. Notable roles include Director/DOP for "Semblance Realism," camera operator for "Uncommon Beauty Season 1&2," second camera operator for "Calling the Spirits," and Director/DOP for "Eyitayo Alagbe." He has collaborated with organizations like McKinsey, WAZIMA Health, COMITAS Health, Axess Network, TajBank, GTBank, Samsung Nigeria, Tecno Mobile, and Nigerian Breweries.

He aims to inspire a new generation of African creatives, using documentary filmmaking to challenge societal norms, foster empathy, and empower individuals to become agents of transformation.

Director Statement

In creating this documentary, I wanted to showcase Ifebunmi Emmanuel Anaiye’s unique art style, "Semblance Realism," and his impactful work with Project 100. I was inspired by how Ifebunmi uses art not just for self-expression, but also to drive social change.

I aimed to tell a story that shows Ifebunmi’s artistic journey and his dedication to helping children through education. By highlighting his creative process, his connection with his four dogs, and his charity work, I wanted to show how art can solve community problems.

This film reflects the theme "making the invisible visible" by revealing the often-hidden role of artists in creating social change. It shows the unseen effects of Ifebunmi’s art on the art world and on African children’s lives. I hope this documentary makes the power of art clear and encourages others to support meaningful causes.

A graduate of Concordia University's Film Production program, Stefan Verna has been active in the film community as a Director, Scriptwriter, Director of Photography and Video Instructor to marginalized youth. As a director he has explored various filmmaking forms: documentary, fiction, music videos and dance films. His camera work has taken him to Nunavik, Cuba, France, Haiti, Mexico and the U.S and has been shown on various Canadian networks such as CBC TV, APTN, Canal D, Canal Evasion and Télé- Quebec. 

He is a founding member of Black on Black Films, a collective of Black filmmakers in Quebec and has been lecturing around the world about the history & aesthetics of Black Cinema for the last 5 years. His films have been showcased in International film festivals: Ice Storm Cabaret (2000), Chocolate City (2003), Poetry in Motion (2004), Diversidad: a Roadtrip to Deconstruct Diner (2011), Drawing Blank (2012), Equation of Imagination (2015), MONtreal: Jazz Stories (2018), Metamorph (2020). He is presently completing his second documentary feature called NOMAD’S LAND: a Documentary Rhyme, directing NIGHT WATCHES US at the NFB and in developing a feature film ON THIN ICE with Loaded Pictures.