Shady Hanna has been entranced by the enchantment of visible storytelling for so long as he can keep in mind. As a baby rising up in Cairo, Egypt, his ardour for cinematography blossomed amongst various cultures and the myriad tales inside them. He was notably sparked by the attract of cartoons, together with Mickey Mouse. His love for movie deepened by way of highschool, and it was throughout this time that he found the profound implications of cinematography in shaping cinematic experiences. He says that he got here to view cinematography as a type of “visible poetry,” and describes it as a “medium for inventive expression able to transcending language and cultural limitations.”

This fascination and love for cinematography drove him to acquire a Bachelor of Wonderful Arts in Movie Manufacturing from York College, after which he embarked upon a journey as a Director of Pictures. Thus far, Shady Hanna has obtained 2 Canadian Society of Cinematographer Nominations for his movies Swan Track and Junglefowl, and his work has been featured in two Superbowl broadcasts—one for Petsmart x Purina in the US in 2023, and one for BelairDirect in Canada in 2024. “A spotlight of my profession is Swan Track, which premiered at TIFF (Toronto Worldwide Movie Pageant), providing viewers a behind-the-scenes have a look at ballet’s grace and sweetness,” he states, explaining that he “try[s] to infuse each body with authenticity and humanity, whether or not capturing the rawness of the Indian jungle or the emotion of a ballet efficiency.” This ardour for storytelling, admiration for the artwork of cinematography, and the will to create his personal imaginative and prescient of the world of cinema have led him by way of an unimaginable journey. Regardless of this, his purpose is to be greater than only a technician behind the digicam. “I goal to be a inventive collaborator and a visible storyteller,” he says.

This collaboration can include challenges, nevertheless, which primarily contain translating a director’s imaginative and prescient into a visible language. Shady Hanna claims that this includes understanding not simply the emotional core of the story or the characters’ journeys, but in addition the thematic parts at play. He says that discovering progressive methods to precise parts by way of lighting, composition, and digicam motion can really form the expertise for the viewer. He cites the brief movie Xie Xie Ollie, which he shot in 2022, for instance. “I endeavored to reflect the protagonist’s emotions of isolation by way of deliberate digicam compositions. Using methods akin to leaving ample unfavorable house throughout the body, I aimed to intensify the sense of distance and disconnect skilled by the primary character.” Discovering a stability between inventive expression and sensible constraints is one thing that Shady Hanna offers with frequently. Nevertheless, by being adaptable and resourceful, he’s discovered that spending time in pre-production proves to be extremely useful, and developing with a robust sport plan for the staff units them up with success. His means to adapt rapidly to unexpected challenges, akin to inclement climate or gear malfunctions, has helped form him into the cinematographer he’s now.

“Probably the most necessary classes I’ve discovered is the ability of collaboration. Filmmaking is inherently a collaborative artwork kind, and I’ve come to understand the varied views and skills that every member of the manufacturing staff brings to the desk,” he says. “By fostering a spirit of openness, mutual respect, and belief, I’ve been capable of domesticate optimistic work environments the place everybody feels empowered to contribute their finest work.” Shady Hanna’s willingness to work with others evokes him to look to the long run, the place he would like to collaborate with esteemed corporations like A24 to align his work with their distinguished ethos. His final purpose, he says, is to depart a long-lasting imprint by way of impactful storytelling that not simply evokes, however connects to audiences on a worldwide scale.