Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Fansu Njie. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Fansu, so many exciting things to discuss, we can’t wait. Thanks for joining us and we appreciate you sharing your wisdom with our readers. So, maybe we can start by discussing optimism and where your optimism comes from?
It’s a by-product of two significant components of my life: the art of filmmaking and my background in martial arts when I was a teenager.
Firstly, filmmaking has taught me to embrace the unexpected and constantly innovate. It’s a field where setbacks are par for the course, yet it thrives on the constant push toward creativity. Whether it’s budget cuts, script revisions, or last-minute location changes, every issue is an opportunity to be creative and craft something exceptional out of the unusual. This persistent approach to finding solutions fuels my optimism. Secondly, my martial arts background as a young teenager has contributed profoundly to my optimistic outlook as an adult. Martial arts, be it karate, judo, or MMA, is not just about physical prowess but the strength of the mind. It has imbued me with resilience and the courage to face any obstacle. It’s a path that demands patience, discipline, and a never-give-up attitude. Each training session and spar reinforces the idea that giving up is never an option and that there is always a way to triumph, no matter how formidable the opponent is. This relentless spirit in the face of challenges is a significant source of my optimism.
In both realms, I have learned that it’s not about winning or losing but the process and the lessons it imparts. It’s about understanding that every difficulty is an opportunity in disguise. And it is this understanding that fuels my optimism, the belief that no matter how challenging the circumstances might be, there is always a way to emerge stronger and wiser.
Thanks, so before we move on maybe you can share a bit more about yourself?
As a seasoned professional in the world of filmmaking, I am Fansu Njie, a Swedish film director celebrated for my unique approach and the array of awards that mark my journey of over two decades in the industry. I was always inspired by various genres, including classic Westerns, captivating Kung Fu movies, and spine-chilling Sci-Fi horrors, all of which were instrumental in shaping my innovative and modern vision for cinema. My discipline, unshakeable work ethic, and structured approach to projects was sculpted through my long-standing engagement in martial arts training as a teenager and my deep understanding of its philosophy.
In the initial phases of my career, I honed my skills as a Steadicam operator and Cinematographer. However, my passion and aptitude quickly propelled me into the realms of directing and content development. I have always held immense respect for every single craft that amalgamates into the art of filmmaking. This admiration for all aspects of cinema has driven my ability to assemble and lead robust teams that thrive on collaboration and mutual respect during production.
Having established myself as a highly esteemed commercial director in the Scandinavian market, I am honored to have my name associated with hundreds of diverse projects. My work spans TV commercials, music videos, short films, and more.
In my most recent venture, I stepped into both producer and director roles for the Scandinavian feature “Last Man Down (2021)”. The film’s electrifying action trailer made waves online, sparking global interest with millions of views amassed within mere weeks of its release. This incredible response catapulted the feature into a worldwide phenomenon almost instantly.
The film found its way into international viewers’ hearts with releases by renowned distributors such as Saban Films for the US and UK markets, Netflix for a global audience, and SF Studios for the Scandinavian market. Notably, “Last Man Down” swiftly climbed the ladder of success, securing the third spot on Netflix’s top-10 list in the UK, 8th in the US, and subsequently breaking into the top-10 list in all major international markets.
There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?
Stamina, persistence, and mindset.
As someone who has journeyed through various challenges and experiences, my advice to those who are at the beginning of their path and are looking to build or enhance their stamina, persistence, and mindset revolves around several central principles.
The first is embracing discomfort. It might sound counterintuitive, but stepping out of your comfort zone is essential for growth. Whether you’re developing physical stamina or mental resilience, you will come across tasks pushing you beyond your existing boundaries. These are opportunities, not setbacks. Each time you face discomfort, view it as a chance to stretch your capabilities a little more.
Secondly, consistent practice is key. Stamina and persistence aren’t traits that you can develop overnight. It’s a matter of repetition and persistence itself. Stick to your work routines, persist in your problem-solving efforts, be consistent with your practices, and over time, you will notice that you are better equipped to handle challenges than before.
Thirdly, the power of the mindset cannot be underestimated. It’s crucial to foster a growth mindset, the belief that your abilities can be developed through dedication and hard work. It’s not always about winning or losing but about learning, growing, and improving. A positive, growth-oriented mindset can be the driving force that pushes you to persist, even when things get tough.
Another piece of advice is setting realistic, achievable goals. Goals act as a roadmap for your journey, helping you to stay focused and motivated. But it’s equally important that these goals are achievable because consistently failing to meet unrealistic targets can demotivate and harm your mindset.
Finally, I emphasize the importance of self-care. Developing stamina and persistence is as much about knowing when to push yourself as it is about knowing when to rest and rejuvenate. Rest is a crucial part of the process and vital for maintaining physical and mental health. It’s important to listen to your body and mind and to give them the rest they need.
In conclusion, be patient with yourself. Progress might seem slow, but remember that real, lasting growth takes time. Believe in your potential, stay committed to your journey, and remember to enjoy the process. With these steps, you’ll be on your way to building strong stamina, persistence, and a healthy, resilient mindset.
Looking back over the past 12 months or so, what do you think has been your biggest area of improvement or growth?
Over the past year, I’ve experienced profound development across several areas of my life and career. However, if I had to pinpoint the most significant area of growth, it’s been my ability to intertwine my multifaceted interests in filmmaking, nutrition, and physical well-being to create an innovative and cohesive approach to so-called bio-hacking. This amalgamation of my diverse interests and skills has yielded a distinctive perspective and framework that broadens my professional capabilities and enriches my personal growth.
Filmmaking has been the heart of my professional journey for the longest time. I’ve been deeply fascinated by the power of storytelling, the emotive capacities of the visual medium, and the sheer creativity it allows me. While I continued to hone my craft in filmmaking, my inclination towards nutrition, physical exercise, and bio-hacking persisted parallel. The two sectors seemed different, yet I’ve always sensed an undercurrent of commonality.
In the past twelve months, I’ve seen myself grow immensely in consolidating these passions into a unique blend. I realized that both areas revolve around the idea of transformation – the former narrates it, and the latter manifests it physically. This understanding significantly deepened my approach to both fields, helping me visualize projects from a holistic perspective that integrates the aesthetics of filmmaking with the science of nutrition and exercise.
The process was quite organic; I started out by educating myself more intensively about the links between mind and body wellness. I delved into the world of nutrition, becoming more knowledgeable about how different foods affect our bodies and minds. I also focused on understanding the science behind exercise and strength training, learning how it contributes to overall health and well-being. I started incorporating this newfound knowledge into my filmmaking as my comprehension grew.
But my growth didn’t stop there. Simultaneously, I’ve been working on my personal fitness journey. I’ve been rigorously following a customized nutrition plan and strength training regimen, which has improved my energy levels, focus, and productivity. The personal benefits I’ve experienced have only intensified my conviction in this holistic approach, further propelling my growth.
In summary, the greatest growth area for me in the past year has been this unique integration of filmmaking, nutrition, and exercise. It has not only diversified my professional outlook but also strengthened my personal resilience. It’s a synergistic blend that I’m excited to continue exploring and expanding on in the future.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.fansufilm.com
- Instagram: www.instagram.com/fansufilm
