Abdou Cisse

Abdou Cissé is a BAFTA-nominated filmmaker from South London whose work blends cinematic ambition with raw intimacy. Named one of Screen International’s 2024 Stars of Tomorrow, he is establishing himself as a distinct voice in British cinema.

Abdou’s debut short, SERIOUS TINGZ, won Best Narrative Short at the Shiny Awards, earned a BIFA nomination, and screened at eight international festivals. The film’s social reach extended far beyond the festival circuit. Spotlighted by ITV News, Tate Modern, and National Prison Radio; it reached over 90,000 prisoners across the UK. His 2024 BAFTA-nominated and BIFA-winning short, FESTIVAL OF SLAPS, cemented him as one of the most exciting new British voices.

In television, Abdou made his directorial debut as lead director on the BBC series GRIME KIDS (written by Theresa Ikoko), and most recently directed the closing Season 2 episodes of A24 and the BBC’s award-winning DREAMING WHILST BLACK.

Parallel to his film and TV work, Abdou has built a celebrated career creating global campaigns for Netflix, Apple, Nike, Warner Bros Games and Google, where his eye for storytelling has reached audiences worldwide.

Abdou’s trajectory is defined by bold, socially resonant storytelling with a cinematic edge that reveals the extraordinary hidden within the ordinary.