S3:E5 Samona Olanipekun: Do the Best Directors Start as Outsiders?

In this episode of Setnotes, we sit down with director Samona Olanipekun to talk about filmmaking, identity, and the creative journey behind his powerful short film Kindred.Samona shares how growing up between cultures shaped his perspective as a filmmaker, and how feeling like an outsider became one of his greatest creative strengths. We discuss the early days of guerrilla filmmaking in London, the rise of the digital content era, and how young filmmakers can build their careers by simply picking up a camera and creating work.We also explore the emotional story behind Kindred, a poetic film about migration, belonging, and cultural identity that emerged from Simona’s reflections on the migrant crisis and his own family history.If you're an aspiring filmmaker, director, cinematographer, or creative looking to find your voice in the film industry, this conversation offers insight, inspiration, and practical lessons from someone who built their career through passion, experimentation, and storytelling.🎙 About SetnotesSetnotes is a podcast exploring the craft and culture of filmmaking through conversations with industry professionals including directors, cinematographers, producers, and creatives working across film and television.