My journey into filmmaking began at the Netherlands Film Academy, where I specialized in documentary directing. While my studies focused on the art of storytelling, I quickly found myself drawn to the emotional power of the camera itself. A camera is not just a recording device, it is a catalyst for intimacy. There is a profound transformation that happens when a person feels truly seen through the lens, and my practice is centered on creating a sanctuary of comfort and honesty where vulnerability can thrive.
Since graduating in 2016 with my autobiographical film 2gether, my voice has become defined by the documentary essay, a personal and poetic approach to cinema where I deeply engage with both the subject and my camera. This intimate perspective is at the heart of my work exploring identity, gender fluidity, and the rich layers of Afro Dutch heritage, translating complex histories into visual narratives that honor the radical pursuit of autonomy. It is a dedication that shines through in long term projects like Djina Was Here, a documentary essay tracking a twelve year transition and the boundaries of friendship, as well as the touring Live Cinema Performance ODO (2024), which centered on the history of resistance during Surinamese slavery.
As a multidisciplinary creator, I guide projects from the first spark of an idea through to the final edit. This lens has taken me across the globe, from Tanzania and the Caribbean to the heart of Suriname, always seeking stories of intersectionality and human connection. Lately, this has also expanded beyond the screen into the senses, such as KUMBA TE, an immersive audio walk through nature reflecting on Surinamese heritage, created in collaboration with Wensley Piqué.
Whether I am directing my own cinematic essays, shaping commercial stories with a documentary heart for agencies like Dawn Collective and Pool Worldwide, or partnering with organizations like Humanitas, Rutgers, and Demeter, the integrity remains the same: translating societal and personal journeys into grounded stories that feel urgent and deeply human.