Koné

Koné Sindou is the Executive Chef at one of Brooklyn’s most beloved restaurants. As a teenager, he escaped civil war in Cote d’Ivoir, going first to Mali as a refugee, before arriving to New York.

This short docu-editorial explores Koné’s discovery of what “Home” in America is for him, through movement and food.

The film is led by his real life story, so the choices of location, movement, styling and music were all inspired by the conversations between Koné and the director, Lilly Winter. After working professionally as a model for many years, Sindou finally chose to focus on food, finding a deeper sense of connection. Growing up in a rural village, he learned how to cultivate, grow and share food, from his grandfather.

His long journey is an inspiring reminder for those who connect with the feeling of being displaced, to never give up on your dreams. To be proud of where you come from and to show that it’s possible to weave all the multidimensional aspects of yourself together, to find home again.

Film and portraits by: Lilly Winter

Featuring: Koné Sindou

Director of Photography: Bernardo Gasparini

Styling: Lilly Winter & Nicholas Grasa

Hair by: Aicha

Clothing Designers: Muddaland Worldwide & Make Manifest BK

Movement Director: Lilly Winter 

Editor: Lilly Winter

Sound Design: Bookster

Music Featured: Rokia Kone – ANW Tile (Bookster & Lilly Winter edit)

Opening Audio from podcast Drinking on the Job (John Coyl)

Production Assistant: Jack Pompe

Special thanks to Colonie NYC

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