Briefly introduce yourself and the type of art you create

My name is Damilare Olalude, a filmmaker and artistic photographer passionate about capturing faces, expressions, and the stories hidden within them.

When do you feel most creative? And what activities do you enjoy when you’re not feeling creative?

I feel most creative in the quiet moments of reflection,  when I’m observing life, faces, and places with no distractions. Even when I’m cooling off, I find myself knitting, which in its own way is still an act of creation.

If you could go back in time, what would you change about your creative journey?

I would never have invested so much of my energy in spaces that were never going to acknowledge my talent or value my skills.

What has been your biggest challenge as a BIPOC artist in Finland?

Building filmmaking communities and networking with other filmmakers. Not living in the capital makes it even more difficult, but I’m finding ways to manage with the little I have here.

If you had a “Creative Genie,” what are your top three wishes?

1. To finish my film exactly the way I envision it
2. To touch as many lives as possible with my art
3. To continue creating work that speaks beyond borders

Where do you find your inspiration?

Through everything: life, moments, faces, places, images, and nature.

What are your top three tips for emerging creatives in Finland?

1. There is an audience for everyone, so keep doing your best
2. Listen to people, but listen to yourself even more
3. . Your process only needs to make sense to you

What’s your motto in life?

This I love. BNDTE – “Beginning Never Determines The End.”

Discover more of Olalude’s work on Instagram: @iam_daamii