A film maker Mayumi Yoshida is forging her unique path by utilizing personal stories to tell her story.
Mayumi Yoshida is being praised for her involvement in filmmaking however, to hear the story of how she realized her filmmaking by accident. "I started my acting career as an actor" declares Mayumi. "There was a lack of roles to choose from, and it wasn't enough of a role I really, really enjoyed in my soul and made me feel"Oh, this is the life I've always wanted to live.'" When the opportunity came along to raise funds to make a short film Mayumi took the initiative - to be a part of the film, not only acting in it but as the director of of a personal narrative.
"That resulted in a variety of film festivals"" says Mayumi. "It made me feel"Oh it's possible to do a lot more that I could do in my position as a writer, storyteller, and artist, and not just as an actor." Since since the time, Mayumi has continued to expand her film resume and has also collaborated with musician Amanda Sum on artful music videos that challenge expectations and challenge the genre's style.
"The most valuable advice I've received from someone not me was that which told me to become accountable for my abilities," says Mayumi. The key is to embrace the courage to champion her work, even if you're struggling with self-doubt. "Don't be scared to say"no to anybody else,"" she says. "You might be thinking"Oh, but this is not enough time to make a impact. Oh, but I won't get in. Oh, but it's unlikely to occur. There is no one who was able to tell you this up until now. It's been yours to tell you. Therefore, let it go. shoot and you'll never know. In the majority of cases, it works out."
We spoke to Mayumi shortly before the release of her Staff Picked film "Different Than before" was given the Jury Award for Best Music Video at 2023's SXSW festival. Check out the highlights of our conversation in the video above as well as read the entire interview below.
What are the themes you see yourself repeating over and over in your work?
Mayumi Mayumi: One of the themes I frequently explore in my films is the search of identities, which is often followed by family drama. I am of the opinion that a substantial percentage of my work is focused on personal relationships meaning that the relationships between families and those who are trapped in different generations, cultures, or multi-cultural are kind of right up my alley.
What motivates you to keep going?
Mayumi Q: One of the best features of film is the fact that it can be used for a lifetime. You tell a story that is like a time capsule. And it will continue to exist in perpetuity, as they can feel regardless of whether you're within their reach. In my experience I've watched a variety of films that were made way ahead of my time , and it affects me. If I was a vehicle to create stories that would be told throughout the rest of my life, it was my aim after making films that I really loved. I was thinking "Ooh, there's more to this. It's more beyond just sharing my story of my passions."
Tell us your thoughts regarding the Staff Pick experience.
Mayumi This was definitely, incredibly exciting. It really meant a lot for everyone involved, as this film had an important social message, and we would all like it to have an audience, not only because we all invested a great deal of time and effort into the production, but also because this message was one that had to be communicated at the current moment and also. It was launched on the eve of Asian Heritage Month, so it's important to ensure that viewers saw and felt the messages. The staff also did their part to boost this. I was really happy with that.
I had been a member of Staff Picks, and I just thought "Oh this is the cool group of people." It led me to think "Oh could it be me? Am I worthy?" And now I just feel that it's all just amazing friends who hang out. I'm thankful to be one of them.
What's the next step to you?
Mayumi What's in store to me will be my first feature that is based on my very first short film AKASHI. It's been a long journey and I'm just excited to be able to shoot this. I'm excited to present it at these really cool festival and then share it with , in the near future.
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