Creative Director: Ayanda Sithebe, Producer: Felicia Naiwa Sithebe, Trainee Creative Director: Tumelo Mogoane, Article Contributor: Zintle Dingilizwe Photographer: Lesedi Mothoagae, Wardrobe Accents: Convoy, Production Team: Tshepo Marema, Judith Mamarara Glen Nkuna, Bonolo Maswanganye, Tumelo Mochochoko and Siphokazi Ndwandwe
She’s the kind of actor who lights up the screen with her natural charm and effortless grace. There’s something undeniably captivating about the way she carries herself—calm, confident, and always in control. You can’t help but be drawn in by her presence, and when she speaks, you’re hooked. Her name is Sarah, Sarah Hassan.
Actor Spaces is honoured to be sitting with the multi-award-winning Kenyan actor, producer and TV host whose won the hearts of audiences across the continent. Known for her dedication to her craft and her ability to embody a wide range of characters. Sarah offers insights into her creative process and experiences that are as fascinating as her impactful performances.
Let’s delve into her world and explore the artistry behind her beautiful presence.
Zintle Dingilizwe: Sarah, you look absolutely regal! You were born in Mombasa, Kenya, started acting at the tender age of 5 and you’ve impressively carried your career so gracefully. How do you connect that journey to who you are today?
Sarah Hassan: When we had family gatherings when I was small I would be the entertainer of the whole bunch. I truly enjoyed it but as one grows older, they get a little self-conscious. But in terms of school at least there were drama festivals so I was very much used to performing. I used to do plays in kindergarten and it went through to primary and high school but I was still very connected to my studies. I would say I was a geek since I loved maths, physics, chemistry. I would attend drama festivals and also go to maths competitions to represent my school.
Zintle Dingilizwe: Do you still drive down the streets/spaces you grew up in and what sort of fond memories spring forth?
Sarah: We would go to my granny’s place *when my grandparents were still alive* for special festivities. But I think my family created my fondest memory regardless of where we were. Whether we are far from the city or close to it, I feel grounded and safe when I am with them. I don’t think it’s to do with the location but more about the people surrounding me which would be my mom, dad, husband and child. They are my core.
Zintle: In South Africa the month of August is reserved to spotlight and celebrate women, which female figure do you celebrate on this day and why?
Sarah: My mother always. She is the definition of determination, perseverance and ambition and every good thing you could think of. She is the bravest person I know and she’s the person I kind of emulate. My mom has always been one to explain her parenting style very logically and patiently. It is based on understanding each other’s differences. I truly appreciate that. I’m also a very family oriented person. And my parenting style is borrowed from my mom and from there we just have to dabble it to the times we are in right now. I also feel like communication is key as well as intentionality and quality. And so when you put those doctrines together it makes out a healthy family unit.
Zintle: Sarah, you’ve achieved remarkable success with multiple awards, including the CHAT Awards, Kalasha Awards, and AMVCA Awards. What did it take for you to become this fire brand? And what makes you stand out in terms of the work that you do?
Sarah: I would say staying in the industry is what hard work is and it boils down to consistency, and understanding your goals. Early in my career, I instinctively turned down projects that did not align with my vision or help me progress. Now, I’m grateful to have the opportunity to choose projects that resonate with me and allow me to give my best. As I’ve grown, I’ve become clearer about the direction I want to take.
Zintle: What sort of stereotypes have you had to deal with especially in the international spectrum?
I really can’t think of any right now. I mean there surely are a couple but it’s difficult to think of one right now. Maybe when I leave I will be like “Aha! I should’ve mentioned that.”
Zintle: Family values are so important because they remind us of who we are and where we come from. What kind of values do you incorporate in your own family structure in order to maintain a healthy and progressive family environment?
Sarah: My parents have supported me so much throughout my Career and I will forever be grateful. Like I mentioned I emulate my mother a lot. She inspires me to stay grounded and true to myself. Those values will forever be embedded in my conduct and own family’s conduct.
Zintle: You went to New York Film Academy. Why was it important for you to pursue an acting qualification
Sarah: Going to film school was something I have always wanted to do. I remember saving up for it when I was still shooting ‘Tahidi High’. About two years before I applied I had gotten to the amount that I needed. But to me, it didn’t feel like the right time to go. I delayed the process for another year. Until third year I decided I was ready. I felt like I was more open to the opportunity and it was the right time to journey on this new encounter.
For me it was a personal choice because I wanted to better myself, to grow as an actor. The course that I picked covered so many elements such as writing, directing, producing, handling the camera, sound, art and editing. The experience was amazing and worth it. It opened my eyes and gave me tools and techniques as an actor that I did not have before.
Zintle: What is that voice that directs you to your decisions? Where does it come from?
Sarah: I think I just listen to my heart. Its really about looking at your circumstances and observing the options. Also what helps is writing your vision down. I’d also say being patient with the process so that you enabled to make sounder decisions.
Zintle: You obviously started acting very young, seeing you on Citizen TV as ‘TANYA’ on the tv series ‘Tahidi High’. How have you evolved in terms of your knowledge about acting and the film industry?
Sarah: My Learning experience about this industry was based on understanding that there is lot of rejection in the acting space. It happens that you get more no’s that yes’s. So when you are starting out you don’t expect to lose, but now that I’m older I’m consciously optimistic. I would go and give my 100% and then not dwell on it (audition or submission). I now understand that there are a lot of politics that go behind the scenes in terms of casting.Its not personal. There are elements such as chemistry testing, and more. It’s okay not to book the job, it probably wasn’t yours. Even as producers, we have shows in the shelves that have been there for years but you can only believe in divine timing and that everything is a learning opportunity.
Zintle: You own a production company called ” Alfajiri Productions” which has overseen several projects. Can you tell us a little bit more about your aspirations for your production company?
Sarah: Alfajiri productions is a boutique, female led production company, that focuses on quality storytelling for a global and regional audience. We’ve done quite a number of feature films as well as short films that have premiered on different global platforms and film festivals. For every project we undertake, we aim to have interns who are film students or graduates to shadow different Heads of department depending on what field they studied and get practical experience from a real set. And from this we are hopefully empowering the next generation of film makers.
Zintle: How was your experience playing Tanya?
Sarah: Being in ‘Tahidi High’ as ‘Tanya’ was great. It was a new and different experience from drama festivals. While I was filming, I was in University doing Actuarial Science and that taught me time management because I had to balance my life between the two. I also had to bring good grades because I couldn’t let my parents down. I had to respect the fact that they were paying my fees and I had their outmost support. In essence, the experience was fun because its also the show that kind of introduced me to the world or to Kenya as it was on of the biggest shows at the time.
Zintle: Your recent work ” Family vacation” is coming up on our screens on Netflix, exactly on Women’s Day (for SA), 09th August. How does this make you feel?
Sarah: We are talking with the head of development, who is a super incredible screenwriter. Her name is Voline Ogutu. She is currently in development for a Netflix original which is absolutely amazing, We created family vacation together , she wrote it and directed it and I produced it and starred in it. It was co-directed by Edwin Kamau. We created it in 2020, finally shot it in 2023 and now it’s premiered in 2024. I feel excited!
Zintle: Talking about a fellow brown girl, doing great things, so genuinely, it’s always intriguing to hear females championing other females. How did that spirit come about? To have genuine joy for another female’s wins, especially in the same industry?
Sarah: I actually think it stems from my mom. She is such a wonderful person to others. I also live my mantra which says ” kindness does not cost a thing”. Also maybe having to deal with rejection early as an actor made me a little more understanding towards others. It taught me how to work on reacting to a heart break. My team at Alfajiri productions inspire me to be a better person too because not only are they amazing in what they do and talented but they are nice people at heart.
Zintle:You are currently on the TV drama ‘ZARI ‘. Can you tell us a little bit about the show and your character ‘Nina”?
Sarah: ZARI is basically about a young woman who was away by her grandfather to servants because he didn’t approve of the relationship the child mother (his daughter) and that she was too young. My character ‘Nina’ grows up to be a fine woman but finds herself in a bad situation with her adoptive family especially her sister ‘lola’. There’s plots and drama revolving love and family. Nina is a very nice person but can be naive at times. But overall grounded and kind, that’s what I love about her.
Zintle: So beautifully answered Sarah, its truly an honour to be in your presence, as we wrap up our conversation, what does Acting mean to you?
Acting satisfies my soul. I don’t think there’s any other way to put it, I love acting. When I get a good character, a set with an amazing director and technical crew, I leave there genuinely happy- to my core. I could even smile while sleeping!
