The filmmaker Mayumi Yoshida is forging her individual path through her personal narrative
Mayumi Yoshida might be currently, being recognized for her filmmaking - however it is interesting to hear her talk about that background, she got her start in the field of directing through fate. "I began my career as an actor" claims Mayumi. "There was a lack of roles to choose from, but there weren't enough roles I truly, deeply enjoyed from the bottom of my heart which caused me to feel"Oh, this's me.'" When the chance arose to secure funding to make a film with short length Mayumi was able to not just play an actor, as a character, but be the director - a deeply personal narrative.
"That led to a variety of film festivals"" Says Mayumi. "It inspired me to think"Oh, there's definitely something I could do as a storyteller, as a filmmaker,' instead of just being an actor." Since then, Mayumi has continued to increase her film work and has been working with artist Amanda Sum on artful music videos that challenge expectations and stretch the genre's style.
"The best advice I've gotten from someone who was not myself was the advice they gave me to take ownership of my abilities," says Mayumi. That means accepting her work regardless of self-doubt. "Don't be afraid to refuse to do things to yourself," she adds. "You feel like"Oh, it's too far to be a change. Oh, but I won't get in. However, this is unlikely to occur. There is no one who has mentioned that yet. You've already told them that. Relax. Take the shot and you'll never know. This is typically effective. out."
We had a chance to talk with Mayumi before the release of her staff Picked film "Different than before" won the Jury Award for Best Music Video at 2023 SXSW festival. Take a look at the highlights of our conversation below as well as read the complete interview below.
What are some of the topics that you will be returning to when you job?
Mayumi the subjects I usually explore in my films are looking for a sense of identity, as well as families are the focus. It seems that a majority of my films come from family ties, therefore the dynamics within families or among different generations, cultures or cross-cultural concerns can be compared to my type of thing.
How can you persevere?
Mayumi The most thing I love about film is that it lives throughout time. The narrative you create for the movie is now a capsule, and then it'll continue to live throughout time, as they can go through even in the absence of you. There are several films made before my time which affect my daily life. If I could be a vehicle for stories that would live for eternity, this became a part of my aim following the creation of films that I loved. I thought to myself, "Ooh, there's more to this. This goes beyond posting the things I'm in love with."
Tell us what you think of the Staff Pick experience.
Mayumi: It was truly, tremendously exciting. And I think it really meant a lot, to everybody, as the film was a significant social message, and we desired to make it accessible to more people, in addition because everyone participants worked very hard to make the film, but also because of the message that had to be delivered at the time in addition to. And we released it at the time of Asian Heritage Month, so it was important that viewers saw and felt it. The staff on the other hand did their part in promoting that. I truly appreciated it.
I was very familiar of Staff Picks, and I was thinking "Oh it's a most interesting group of people." I began to wonder "Oh does it really matter to me to be a part of it?" Then I'm feeling as if it's just awesome people who get together. I'm honoured to be part of the group.
What's next?
Mayumi : The next task I have to complete is the first film that will be based on my first short film AKASHI. The journey has been long and I am just so happy that we get to shoot this. I'm really excited to show it at these really cool festivals - and also be able to share it with, one day.
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