HANIF ABDUR-RAHIM DIRECTOR OF PHOTOGRAPHY
Hanif Abdur-Rahim, a native son of the South, was impassioned from birth.
A proud graduate of George Washington University, he embraced the
worlds of science and art, finding fulfillment in science while captivated
by the power of the moving image, light and art in general.
Hanif's journey from medicine to filmmaking began as he started
photographing notable musical artists such as Common, Mos Def, Talib
Kweli, All Time Low, Raheem Devaughn, and others. Hanif would go on to
work in the documentary genre shooting interviews for Hoop Dreams, the
acclaimed documentary, Hoop Dreams.
With a diverse portfolio spanning all genres of photography and
cinematography, Hanif routinely collaborates with fashion models from
leading agencies like Major, Elite, IMG and MC2. His expertise
extends to aerial cinematography, securing contracts with major
agencies for his innovative drone cinematography work.
Having traveled extensively across the USA, Japan, and the Middle East,
Hanif captures subjects and places through his lens. He served as the Director
of Photography on the award winning independent documentary, It Takes a Village.
It is a reverse gentrification story of an innovative pastor in Louisville, Kentucky
who transformed a community in West Louisville. The project has earned
awards in numerous film festivals, most notably,the United Nations
Habitat HERO award in Katowice, Poland.
Currently, he is immersed in the production of a monumental
independent film titled: Patriotic Retribution. This work aims to shine light
on the experiences of a US Military Special Operations soldier dealing with
the challenges of post traumatic stress disorder following combat, serving
as a catalyst for understanding and empathy.
For Hanif, cinematography is a transformative tool that freezes time and
compels the world to take notice. His personal mission is to defy the
notion of impossibility and prove that barriers are merely myths.