A Conversation with abeni nazeer

© 2025 Jay Wright  Cognizance Magazine

Thank you, Abeni, for making time in your busy schedule to participate in this Cognizance Magazine interview. I am grateful for this opportunity.

How are you?

I am fine.

Could you tell us a little bit about Abeni's background for people who might not know?

I was born into an incredibly artistic family. Our household was always filled with creativity and self-expression.

When I was seven, I have vivid memories of us gathering in the dining room, each person with an instrument –drums, maracas, anything that made a sound. We would create live music together. blending our individual contributions into a harmonious whole.

My younger brother, Bakari, would create beats, looping segments of music he had been working on the night before. Whoever is home would hear these rhythms, and everyone would join in— singing & freestyling. Making music together was not about becoming famous; it was simply our way of having fun.

My eldest brother, Qaza, was a visual artist, and I was in awe of his drawings and paintings. His talent inspired me to try my hand at drawing, sparking my passion for visual art.

This environment of artistic encouragement from my parents was pivotal in shaping my creative journey. At 12, I discovered my love for cameras and photography. At 15, I fell in love with capturing moving images. This passion for visual storytelling naturally evolved into a passion in filmmaking, where I strive to bring the same spirit of creativity and collaboration that I experienced growing up.

When did you realize that you wanted to work as a film producer

I never set out to work as a film producer, nor do I see it as a traditional job. My journey into film was driven purely by passion. I ventured into this field because I loved it not because I saw it as a career. In fact, I did not even realize that people got paid to make films.

It all started when I was about 16 years old. My boyfriend at the time had a song, and I suggested we create a music video for it because I loved both him and his music. Using a small Walmart camera, I shot the video in downtown Baltimore and edited it myself. When he posted it, our friends were impressed and started asking If I could produce music videos for them too.

Initially, I charged around $150 simply because they offered to pay. While I enjoyed the process and the creative expression it allowed, I never intended to make it a business. I prefer to create out of passion rather than for financial gain, and I have no desire to work for others in a traditional sense.

Tell us about your production company and when it was formed

I started Abeni productions because I have a strong desire for creative independence and the freedom to pursue my own projects. I wanted to create a space where I could produce work that aligned with my vision and passion, without having to answer to anyone else. This drive for autonomy led to the formation of my company, where I could fully embrace my artistic expression and bring my ideas to life on my own terms.

Great point. Having that autonomy is so important. Could you describe the differences between working in Baltimore and Los Angeles now that you are a resident of Los Angeles?

The difference between working in Baltimore vs. LA?

Working in Baltimore vs. Los Angeles presents some unique contrasts. Baltimore has a rich, unique culture that I love capturing, but it also comes with its challenges, including safety concerns. Baltimore Is much smaller compared to LA, which can make it feel less safe at times. In LA, I feel a greater sense of peace and security—I can travel safely without worrying about dodging bullets! (laughter)

However, my approach to working with people remains consistent regardless of the location. I believe in treating everyone as individuals and maintaining my creative process no matter where I am.

Absolutely. Where do you find your inspiration?

My inspiration primarily comes from my brother, Bakari. He passed away in a car crash a couple of years ago, but we were like best friends, and his memory continues to inspire me deeply.

Additionally, my younger siblings—Amani, Zuri, Harlym, and Reezan—are a constant source of inspiration.

My nieces and nephews also play a significant role in fueling my creativity. Moreover, my Abeni Productions team inspires me immensely. For instance, Izaiah, my chef, is incredibly talented and intelligent and has been teaching me healthy eating habits and he is just 22 years young. In general, young, smart people inspire me, as they bring fresh perspectives and boundless energy to everything they do.

Sorry for your loss. I am glad that you are able to draw inspiration from him. It is good to see women producing and directing film. Can you tell us about any of the challenges that you faced as a female film producer in an industry dominated by men?

I don't face any challenges because I do not heavily participate in the male dominated aspects of the industry. However, I have noticed a difference in how people approach me when I am alone versus when I am accompanied by a male figure. For instance, if I am with my dad or my ex-boyfriend Chris, people tend to address them first rather than acknowledging me as Abeni. While this behavior is noticeable, I do not view it as a significant challenge.

Explain how you collaborate with clients or other team members to bring a film concept to life?

Our creative process begins with generating ideas and thoroughly contemplating them. Much of my work is inspired by real experiences. My dad, Saba, plays a significant role in writing many of my films. Together, we brainstorm relevant topics that have the potential to move humanity forward or help society understand different perspectives. This collaborative effort ensures that our films are not only engaging but also meaningful and impactful.

How do you manage tight deadlines and budget constraints without compromising the quality of work?

I have a dedicated team that helps me manage deadlines, ensuring that we never miss them. As for budget constraints, I focus on optimizing resources and making strategic compromises to stay within budget without sacrificing the quality of the work.

Here is a two-part question for you

The first question is do you view AI as a positive or negative? Please explain.

I view AI as a positive development. It's like having a little robot friend that helps articulate the thoughts and ideas you have. Often, I will find myself thinking, “That’s exactly what I was trying to say.” AI enhances my ability to communicate effectively and improves the clarity of my ideas.

The second question is how do you stay current with new techniques and technology?

I stay current with new techniques and technology through the insights of my younger family members, especially my little nephew. He is only 8 years old but incredibly honest and insightful. I often send him my work for feedback, and he does not hold back. He will say things like, “Aunty Bani, this is not good. I thought you had a production company, where are the superheroes? Why aren’t they flying?

His perspective is invaluable because he is constantly exposed to new content on TV. In fact, he once directed a superhero film, and I followed his vision exactly. It made me realize that his fresh perspective and understanding of what audiences, especially younger ones, want is something I might not have considered otherwise.

I know you love what you do but can you tell us what are the pros and cons of being a film producer?

One of the main cons is the immense pressure to meet tight deadlines while maintaining high- quality work. Balancing creativity with budget constraints can also be quite stressful.

Another significant challenge is dealing with large teams and different personalities. You often see the trauma through, reflected in their hustle, personality, or even their complaints.

Understanding people, learning about their backgrounds, and choosing the right individuals to form a cohesive team is crucial. Ensuring that everyone works well together and can creatively collaborate is one of the most challenging aspects of being a film producer. Despite these challenges, the passion for storytelling and the satisfaction of bringing a project to life often outweigh the difficulties.

Which upcoming projects that you are working on excites you the most? Could you elaborate?

I am incredibly excited about launching my production company, Abeni Productions. One of the projects I am most thrilled about is an 8-episode series called “Barely”, which promises to be exceptional. Additionally, I am working on a short film titled “Pick Me, Never mind,” and another called “Me and My Husband,” both of which I am very enthusiastic about.

As these films and episodes move into post-production, I am continually creating new content and telling more stories. The opportunity to share these diverse narratives is incredibly fulfilling, and I cannot wait for everyone to see them.

Also, I am currently in pre-production for “Rush,” a suspense horror film. We will begin shooting “Rush” at the end of July 2024, with a 20-day filming schedule. I am eager to bring this story to life and see the finished product.

Seems like you are going to be busy. I cannot wait to see those projects. What words of wisdom would you like to share with those who aspire to follow in your footsteps?

I would tell people to trust and love themselves wherever they are on their journey. It is important to embrace each step and each level without rushing ahead or skipping steps. Have gratitude for where you are, acknowledge where you came from, and understand that there is always more to achieve.

If you find yourself on level 5 of a 10-level journey, remember that it is okay not to be perfect. Embrace your imperfections and love yourself at level 5, knowing that each step forward is a valuable part of your growth. When you reach level 6, you might never experience level 5 again, so it is crucial to appreciate and learn from every stage.

Falling in love with the process is essential. If you only focus on the result, you will miss the richness of the journey and might not achieve a quality outcome. By loving yourself through the process and embracing your mistakes, you will cultivate a deeper appreciation for your growth and the ultimate success that follows. This is the advice I would give to anyone looking to follow in my footsteps.

Okay, we are coming to the end of this interview, I would like you to fill in the blanks with the next series of questions.

My guilty pleasure is  

Food, specifically chocolate covered peanuts 

If I were not producing film, I would be 

A stay-at-home mother  

My family is  

My family is Black! 

In the next five years, I will be 

A mother

Abeni, thanks once again for this interview. Continued success with your feature endeavors. Where can we find you on social media?

@AbeniNazeer 

@Abeniproductions