Fine Girl: An Interview with Fatimah Binta Gimsay

Please tell us about the projects you worked on before making ‘Fine Girl’. How did you start, and how did you learn to make films?

I started out as a TV writer and I’ve made previous short films before Fine Girl. I’ve also made a Television film and my primary line of work is freelance screenwriting. I learned how to make films by working on set and with other filmmakers. I always reached out to ask questions and I was never shy about being eager to learn. I’m still never shy about being eager to learn and I know people hardly open up to younger people but I never stop reaching out and asking questions.

Tell us about ‘Fine Girl’. How do you describe it?

On the surface, Fine Girl is a dark comedy. But it’s more than that, it’s a revenge fantasy. I’d describe it as a delicious cautionary tale that’s not preachy and on the nose. It’s fun, short and will leave you feeling some type of way. Whether positive or negative, it’s above me.

Please tell us about your favorite filmmakers.

I deeply admire Quinta Brunson and Issa Rae, their journeys have been beautiful to watch in real time and I love the stories they tell. I admire Ava DuVernay, Mati Diop, Zoya Akthar & Payal Kapadia. In Nigeria, I admire Blessing Uzzi, Nora Awolowo, and so many other filmmakers who are doing their best to tell stories no matter the circumstance before them.

If you were given a good budget, what would be your ideal project?

I love this question because I truly cannot choose between a feature length crime thriller or dark comedy (I have the pitches ready, call me!) as my directorial feature debut or a limited series with me as a showrunner.

Describe how you would ensure that production is on schedule. What steps would you take?

By simply hiring a competent production team.

What was the hardest part of making ‘Fine Girl’?

Funds and enough time to focus on excellence rather than just ticking the call sheet. I deeply wish we had enough funds. Enough money would buy us time and the ability to not rush through filming. I’m still proud of what we were able to achieve in a one day shoot.

If possible, tell us about your next work. What plans do you have for your future work?

Right now, I’m currently leading PR on a Nigerian Crime Thriller called Red Circle, it comes in cinemas on June 6th. I am in post production for a project I wrote and co-directed in January, and I’m currently pitching myself and my projects to raise funds and tell more stories.