mazen

Bullets of Freedom This project has been an 8-month journey—stressful at times, but fulfilling. Countless sleepless nights trying to ensure accuracy and clarity in the message I wish to communicate. Inspired by the story and interviews of LeiIa KhaIed, I wanted to honor the martyrs and revolutionaries of the struggle against imperialism, particularly in Palestine. It’s time we move beyond showcasing only the pain and suffering of the Palestinian people. Instead, we must amplify their resistance—because they have been fighting back for decades. I’ve faced shadow bans countless times trying to amplify the importance of resistance, but this message isn’t new nor will it be disrupted by an algorithm—it will echo, uncensored and unapologetic. Alhamdulillah for the overwhelming support. To my friends who donated to fund the ring project, to Corey @nevercreateagain for the incredible artwork, and to my good friend Jarrah and to my younger sister Mina, who spent days perfecting edits and sound design—ensuring every moment of this film is intentional—thank you. May this film inspire you to learn, to organize. Hopelessness and despair can no longer be options. Defeatism has no place in our struggle. If the people of Palestine and victims of imperialism across the world can continue to fight back despite unimaginable suffering, what is our excuse? Director, Animator: Mazen Alsafi Sound Design & Music: @hexaeleon Jarrah Kandeh Editor: Mina Alsafi @helloitsminaa

Pain Relief Ibrahim El Salahi, Sudanese artist, transformed his pain into passion, a motto I continue to live by. Salahi was wrongfully imprisoned in the 70s for allegedly conspiring a coup against Gaafar Nimeiry’s regime. Using cement casings and smuggled materials, Ibrahim found a way to encapsulate his thoughts and experiences through his gift of art; art was his pain relief. At a time of distress in Sudan, I felt compelled to honor my people and their rich histories, eventually leading me to learn and animate a story about Ibrahim El Salahi and his notebook from Kober prison. Kober prison, a product of British colonialism, holds memories within its walls that tell histories of nationalism, anti-colonial resistance, political Islam, Marxism and more. Much of the cultural and intellectual production within these prisons were impactful in Sudan’s 2018-2019 uprisings and remain relevant in our struggle today. The way in which political prisoners like Salahi have used Sudan’s carceral system as hubs of revolutionary education, creativity, and solidarity can encourage us to look at hidden spaces not only as sites of history but also to envision a future relieving us from the pains colonialism has caused. Sound Designer: Jarrah @hexaeleon Editor: Mina Alsafi @helloitsminaa Song: Umri Ma Bansa - Abdel Gadir Salim

Only Allah knows what it took to get this far ‎الحمد لله على كل شيء 📸: @ramboxtruth

I wanted to merge a few of the things I enjoy doing. styled in margiela and tom ford gucci recreated the garments and character model in 3d using blender, clo3d, & substance painter shot by @ctayj pieces sourced from @duomo.ny

For @advisry Love to @yungrooftop @purrrrdykat @mauriceediallo and the rest of the team for this opportunity

Motion Music Too often, great production is overlooked lost beneath vocals that miss the beat’s emotion, or dismissed because the producer hasn’t landed a major placement. Motion Music exists to change that. This project isn’t just about giving producers their flowers, it’s a chance to collaborate with my talented friends. Not just through sound, but through a visual story. Music creates an experience the same way images do. When brought together intentionally, they amplify each other and unlock new ways of feeling, remembering, and interpreting sound. Episode 1 coming soon. Sounds by @hexaeleon Visuals by Me

🇸🇩: 100% of Profits Donated to Life-Saving Aid in Sudan. [link in bio] In support of @darfuridp 💚 Designed in collaboration with @kingduot , @sudaneseresistancefront , + @m6zen ❤️ 100% of Profits Donated to @DarfurIDP . IDP Humanitarian Network is a Sudan indigenous-created and led network providing immediate lifesaving aid and long-term solutions for internally displaced persons (IDPs) and survivors across Darfur and Sudan; providing community kitchens, mobile clinics, pop-up classrooms, women & children protection programs, emergency shelter drives, and water procurement centers. Sudan is facing the world’s worst humanitarian crisis with over 14 million people displaced and 150,000 murdered since April 2023. Nearly 24 million people-almost half the population-now face acute hunger, with 638,000 on the brink of starvation. Whether or not you’re able to support this pre-order we encourage you to follow and support the below organizations and platforms: Organizations to support: @darfuridp @sudan_hf @sudansolidaritycollective Accounts/People to follow: @sudansolidaritycollective @decolonizesudan @sudan.updates @sdn.world @womenofsudan @sudanpap @ana.sudani @bsonblast @red_maat @minathegirl_ @yourbaya Please drop more resources in the comments below ↓

Me for @advisry I recreated the look in 3D. Garments made in CLO. Texturing done on Adobe Substance Painter. Rigging & animation done on Blender Love to @yungrooftop @mauriceediallo @purrrrdykat @twomanagementny

So much love to @theslowfactory for giving me the opportunity to write about my film and fundraiser in issue 6 of @everything_political It hasn’t been easy getting press for work that centers resistance. That’s why I’m especially honored to have @everything_political @theslowfactory amplify my work and create space for these thoughts to live. Endless love to Jarrah, Mina, & Corey for believing in my vision and helping bring this project to life. Can’t wait to share more of what I’ve been building.

Me for @entire_studios AW 25 Pre-Collection It’s nice being back. Love to the entire team and everyone involved.

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I’m truly blessed to share that over $4,000 has been raised for the MECA Palestine fundraiser, providing emergency assistance to families who have fled their homes to seek shelter with relatives, as well as procuring emergency medical supplies for hospitals and clinics—all in just one week. In total, $5000 has been raised, and all of the rings have sold out despite a shadow ban. The strength of your support has truly surpassed all odds. Words cannot fully express my gratitude. Seeing so many people appreciate my work and stand in solidarity with this cause means the world to me. This was an incredible way to close out 2024, and 2025 is just the beginning. All orders have been shipped, and emails with proof of donation have been sent out.