Meet Alison Guessou

We recently connected with Alison Guessou and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Alison, really happy you were able to join us today and we’re looking forward to sharing your story and insights with our readers. Let’s start with the heart of it all – purpose. How did you find your purpose?

Finding my purpose was a journey that took time and introspection. It wasn’t an immediate realization, but rather the result of years spent reflecting on what truly brought me joy. I dedicated time to thinking about what I enjoyed doing, envisioning the kind of life I wanted, and assessing the projects that I found fulfilling. This process involved studying my work habits, identifying the tasks that energized me, and recognizing the skills I naturally gravitated toward.

I realized that I loved the challenge of managing and creating something from the ground up, which led me to see the connection between project management and filmmaking. Both require a combination of vision, structure, and adaptability—qualities I discovered were central to my work style. Filmmaking, in particular, offered me the opportunity to combine creativity with these skills, and that’s when I knew I had found the path I wanted to follow.

Let’s take a small detour – maybe you can share a bit about yourself before we dive back into some of the other questions we had for you?

My journey has been all about storytelling—unearthing narratives that are often overlooked and shining a light on diverse voices that deserve to be heard. I founded Djini Productions with the vision of bringing these stories to life, with a focus on producing content that reflects the richness of underrepresented perspectives. As an independent filmmaker, what excites me the most is the power film has to create empathy and connect people through shared experiences.

Right now, I’m focused on expanding my career as a director and producer. My first feature film, Out of Time, has been accepted into two upcoming festivals, and I’m thrilled to see how audiences connect with it. This project was a labor of love, one that took years of passion, collaboration, and resilience to bring to life. Being able to share it on such a platform is incredibly rewarding.

What sets my work apart is the intention behind it. I’m committed to working with local talent and using local resources to create meaningful content—whether that’s through my films or initiatives that help elevate others in the community. The work I do with organizations like MN Women in Film and Television and FilmNorth has allowed me to support emerging filmmakers, which is a core part of my mission.

As for what’s next, I’m looking forward to continuing to grow Djini Productions, and expand both creatively and professionally. In the immediate future, we’re focusing on building a stronger local presence, not just through film but through community collaboration. I’m always on the lookout for new stories to tell and new ways to push the boundaries of what’s possible in film.

If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?

Looking back, I’d say three qualities that have been most impactful in my journey are perseverance, adaptability, and collaboration.

Perseverance has been crucial. Filmmaking, like any creative endeavor, is filled with challenges—whether it’s securing funding, coordinating teams, or dealing with unexpected setbacks. There have been many moments where it would have been easy to walk away, but the ability to push through obstacles and stay focused on the bigger picture has made all the difference.

Adaptability is another key skill. Filmmaking requires constant problem-solving, whether on set or in the editing room. Being open to new ideas, embracing change, and staying flexible has helped me navigate the unpredictable nature of production. It’s also allowed me to explore different genres and styles, which keeps my work dynamic and exciting.

Finally, collaboration has been essential. Film is a team effort, and building strong relationships with talented individuals has been one of the most rewarding aspects of my career. No matter how much vision you bring to a project, it’s the collaborative effort that truly brings it to life. Listening to others and valuing their input has helped me grow both as a filmmaker and as a person.

For those early in their journey, my advice would be to embrace the process. Stay persistent, even when things don’t go as planned. Focus on learning how to adapt when challenges arise because they will. And most importantly, surround yourself with people who inspire you and push you to do better. Filmmaking is not a solo endeavor, and learning to collaborate effectively will elevate your work in ways you may not expect.

Is there a particular challenge you are currently facing?

The number one challenge I’m currently facing is balancing the creative aspects of filmmaking with the demands of distribution and marketing, especially as an independent filmmaker. With my first feature film, Out of Time, making its way into festivals, the responsibility of ensuring the film reaches its intended audience falls heavily on my shoulders. It’s not enough to create a compelling story—getting it in front of viewers is equally critical, and navigating that space can be overwhelming, especially without the backing of a large studio.

To overcome this, I’ve been immersing myself in learning about the various aspects of distribution and marketing, from understanding digital platforms to building a social media strategy. I’m also leveraging the support of my cast and crew, working closely with them to spread the word about the film and engage with our community. It’s been a collaborative effort to generate buzz and ensure the film reaches the right audience. Although it’s a lot to manage, I’m committed to mastering these skills, knowing they’ll be invaluable as I continue my filmmaking journey.

Contact Info:

Image Credits

Djini Productions

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