The Challenge of Filming Ceremony
Unlike staged productions, ceremonies breathe with their own rhythm. The energy in the room shifts with song, prayer, and movement. Our role as filmmakers was to witness without intrusion, to hold the frame steady while the spirit of the moment unfolded. This meant using smaller crews, quieter equipment, and cinematographic techniques that allowed us to blend into the background, becoming part of the circle rather than observers on the outside.
Balancing Artistry and Respect
Filming sacred practice is a delicate balance. On one hand, we are storytellers who want to craft visually striking imagery that draws audiences in. On the other, we are caretakers of tradition, responsible for ensuring that the depth and authenticity of the experience are never lost in translation. Every shot was considered through this dual lens: does it honor the sacred space? Does it serve the integrity of the story?
The Transformational Power
What became clear through filming is that Sacred Woman is more than a book, a series, or a ceremony—it is a movement. Behind the camera, we witnessed tears, laughter, and breakthroughs. We saw women reclaiming power, ancestry, and sisterhood in real time. Those moments changed not just the participants, but our crew as well. This was not just documentation—it was initiation.
A Story That Belongs to All of Us
Though Sacred Woman emerges from the life work of Queen Afua, the story belongs to every woman, every family, and every community striving for healing. Our goal in filming was to ensure that the screen could carry not just the images, but the vibration of the experience itself—so that audiences could feel the ceremony, even if they were thousands of miles away.
Looking Ahead
As we continue editing and shaping this seven-part docuseries, Sacred Woman: We Are Still Here, we carry the responsibility of doing justice to a legacy. This is more than a film—it is an offering. Behind the ceremony, we are humbled to stand as storytellers in service to something far greater than ourselves.
