A filmmaker Mayumi Yoshida is forging her own path through telling her own story.
Mayumi Yoshida has been recently being spotted for her work in filmmaking. Yet in her words she started her career in the field of directing through chance. "I started my career as an actor for actors" claims Mayumi. "There wasn't a lot of roles that I could select from, and there were not enough roles I really loved from my heart that caused me to feel like"Oh that's my life.'" So, when an possibility came along to raise money to create an film of a lesser length, Mayumi had the opportunity to take on more than just the role but also take on director for a intimate tale.
"That resulted in various festival festivals for film,"" Mayumi says. Mayumi. "It made me feel like"Oh There's plenty to achieve in the world of telling stories, being an artist instead of just acting." Since then, Mayumi has continued to expand her film portfolio and most recently, she has worked with musician Amanda Sum on artful music videos that challenge expectations and question the form of music videos.
"The best advice I've received from a friend not me was one that said I should hold myself accountable for my abilities," says Mayumi. It's about embracing her craft even in the midst of self doubt. "Don't be unwilling to turn down others for yourself," she adds. "You could be thinking"Oh sorry however, it's not working. Oh, but I won't get in. That's not likely. There's been no announcement about that this is happening. It's been said to you. It's time to let it go. Do not take the shot again take it again. It is very likely to succeed."
We had the pleasure of talking to Mayumi shortly before the launch of the Staff Picked film "Different Than Before" received the Jury Award for Best Music Video in 2023's SXSW festival. Take a look at the highlights from our conversation below. Also, get the full interview below in our piece.
What are the subjects you'll find yourself returning to time and time again during your job?
Mayumi one of the subjects that I frequently investigate in my films is identity search, oftentimes the drama of families. My films focus on personal and intimate, which means that families are dynamic or stuck in between generations, intergenerational or cultural intergenerational and intercultural issues. These are my style.
What motivates you?
Mayumi The film: One of the best films can be described as it's always present in time. Telling your story is like a time capsule. And it will continue to live on forever and the same people experience the same thing even while you're away. What I see of the matter is that I've watched numerous films ahead of my time, which have a direct impact on my day-to-day life. If I was an instrument to create stories that will continue to be told for a lifetime it became my purpose after creating films that I loved. I was like, "Ooh, there's more to this. It's not just a simple story that is simply sharing something that I love deeply."
We would love to know your thoughts on this Staff Pick experience.
Mayumi The experience was extremely thrilling. I believe that the film left a lasting impression for all of us because the film contained a message for the social and I would like to have it reach more people, and not only because each participants put in countless hours of effort into the project, but also because this was a message we had to convey while we were in time and. It was made public on the occasion of Asian Heritage Month, so it really mattered that lots of people saw the film and got to feel the messages. They also played their role in spreading the message. I really appreciated that.
I knew about Staff Picks, and I was thinking "Oh this is an amazing collection of people." Then I thought "Oh did I merit to be there?" It makes me feel like I'm one of the coolest people that meet up. Thank you to be part of this group.
What's next?
Mayumi The movie coming up to me will be my first feature film based upon my very first short film,"AKASHI. It's been a lengthy but challenging process and I am ecstatic to have the opportunity to film this. It's great to present the film at these exciting gatherings and have that I can share it with everyone else within a single day.
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