Shady Hanna’s Enchanting Journey to Film Success
Shady Hanna has been entranced by the enchantment of visual storytelling for as long as he can remember. As a child growing up in Cairo, Egypt, his passion for cinematography blossomed among diverse cultures and the myriad stories within them. He was particularly sparked by the allure of cartoons, including Mickey Mouse. His love for film deepened through high school, and it was during this time that he discovered the profound implications of cinematography in shaping cinematic experiences. He says that he came to view cinematography as a form of “visual poetry,” and describes it as a “medium for artistic expression capable of transcending language and cultural barriers.”
This fascination and love for cinematography drove him to obtain a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Film Production from York University, after which he embarked upon a journey as a Director of Photography. To date, Shady Hanna has received 2 Canadian Society of Cinematographer Nominations for his films Swan Song and Junglefowl, and his work has been featured in two Superbowl broadcasts—one for Petsmart x Purina in the United States in 2023, and one for BelairDirect in Canada in 2024. “A highlight of my career is Swan Song, which premiered at TIFF (Toronto International Film Festival), offering viewers a behind-the-scenes look at ballet’s grace and beauty,” he states, explaining that he “strive[s] to infuse every frame with authenticity and humanity, whether capturing the rawness of the Indian jungle or the emotion of a ballet performance.” This passion for storytelling, admiration for the art of cinematography, and the desire to create his own vision of the world of cinema have led him through an incredible journey. Despite this, his goal is to be more than just a technician behind the camera. “I aim to be a creative collaborator and a visual storyteller,” he says.
This collaboration can come with challenges, however, which primarily involve translating a director’s vision into a visual language. Shady Hanna claims that this involves understanding not just the emotional core of the story or the characters’ journeys, but also the thematic elements at play. He says that finding innovative ways to express elements through lighting, composition, and camera movement can truly shape the experience for the viewer. He cites the short film Xie Xie Ollie, which he shot in 2022, as an example. “I endeavored to mirror the protagonist’s feelings of isolation through deliberate camera compositions. Utilizing techniques such as leaving ample negative space within the frame, I aimed to accentuate the sense of distance and disconnect experienced by the main character.” Finding a balance between artistic expression and practical constraints is something that Shady Hanna deals with regularly. However, by being adaptable and resourceful, he’s found that spending time in pre-production proves to be incredibly helpful, and coming up with a strong game plan for the team sets them up with success. His ability to adapt quickly to unforeseen challenges, such as inclement weather or equipment malfunctions, has helped shape him into the cinematographer he is now.
“One of the most important lessons I’ve learned is the power of collaboration. Filmmaking is inherently a collaborative art form, and I’ve come to appreciate the diverse perspectives and talents that each member of the production team brings to the table,” he says. “By fostering a spirit of openness, mutual respect, and trust, I’ve been able to cultivate positive work environments where everyone feels empowered to contribute their best work.” Shady Hanna’s willingness to work with others inspires him to look to the future, where he would love to collaborate with esteemed companies like A24 to align his work with their distinguished ethos. His ultimate goal, he says, is to leave a lasting imprint through impactful storytelling that not just inspires, but connects to audiences on a global scale.
