Meet Bintou Sylla | Actress, Director & Screenwriter

We had the good fortune of connecting with Bintou Sylla and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Bintou, why did you decide to pursue a creative path?
The reason why I pursue an artistic or creative career is because it brings me joy. I believe that the things that we want to pursue/be in life should bring us the most joy. If we do not enjoy the things that we plan to do for the rest of our lives then what is the point? Creating and Entertaining has always been something that has stuck with me ever since I was little. From the minute I turned on my TV when I was little, was the minute that I knew I was going to be somehow involved in anything film related. Acting is my first love it allows me to express myself in ways I never knew was possible. It brings me out of my shell and shows others a Bintou that I didn’t even know myself. Which I think is the most beautiful part, seeing the very thing that brings you this excitement, help you reach a higher self that you potentially didn’t know of.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
I would say my art is fearless. I’m not afraid to show it, and it’s not afraid to be shown. It’s helped me step out of my comfort zone and show others my passionate side. The side of myself I love the most. My work is about storytelling, where I create relatable but thought-provoking stories that either come from my daily life or the experiences of others. I want my art to inspire and motivate others to begin their own journey and push their art however it looks to them.

I would say I’m most excited about the growth that my art has given me. It’s taught me a lot about the path I want to take and the person I want to be. I’m most excited for my first ever short film that I created last year at the end of my sophomore year of college. This film is for the dreamers who will keep pushing and striving for where they want to be in life, no matter the obstacles. I named it Kari’s Mind, which takes us through a story about a teenage girl whose fate has been predetermined since she was little. Finally, she enters college, where independence is emphasized. Now, she is tasked with deciding between her own route and the predetermined one.

Other than that, I use my time to write scripts and work on short projects. Another film that I recently put out is called Cycles. That only took me a night to write; we shot it in one day. It was something I’ll never forget and something that I’ve learned so much from.

I don’t think I am exactly where I want to be professionally, but I know I have prayed for this season. It’s a season of creating and inspiring others to create, and I’m doing just that. I attend Spelman College, pushing for the arts and creating community by writing scripts and putting up Pop Up Performances all around the campus. I’m learning and creating life-long relationships as I go. As It is not easy at all. I make mistakes all the time, and I certainly do not know everything that comes with being an Actress/ Filmmaker, but that’s the beauty in it; there is so much more to learn. I’ve overcome challenges by just continuing to push and never give up. There’s no giving up when it comes to your art.

The lessons I’ve learned along the way are that you cannot look for others’ approval all the time when it comes to something you have created. At the end of the day, it is your story and your creation. I’ve learned to soak in the journey because, yes, the destination is something we all want to reach, but the process and the growth in between is where the dream truly lies. Lastly, I’ve learned patience with all you do; you must be patient, and great things do not come out of being rushed.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
Even though I am still exploring Atlanta myself and getting to know everything it offers and my best friends were visiting the Atlanta area, I would honestly take them to explore the great attractions Atlanta is known for, like the Aquarium, Botanical Garden, or the High Arts Museum. These are places me myself I have not yet visited. If it were a week-long trip, I’d use that week to try new things and places to experience it all.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I want to dedicate my shoutout to my family. They have been here since the beginning, aiding me in getting to where I want to be. My mother, Aissatou Diallo, has always kept me positive and continued believing in myself. My father, Kollet Sylla, has always reminded me to stay focused in everything I do. My sister Aissatou Sylla has always supported every little thing I do and continues to push me.

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bintouxsylla/

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bintou-sylla-bb479b1a3/