Filmmaker Mayumi Yoshida is forging her unique path by telling her own story.
Mayumi Yoshida is lately getting attention because of her work in filmmaking, but for her to tell the story of how she found her filmmaking by accident. "I initially started out as an actor" says Mayumi. "There was a lack of opportunities to play as well as a lack of roles I truly, thoroughly enjoyed to the heart of me to make me feel like"Oh I'm me.'" So, when an opportunity came up to secure funding for a short film, Mayumi was able to not just play an important role, but to also as director - a deeply personal story.
"That has led to a variety of festivals for film,"" Says Mayumi. "It made me think that there's a lot more that I can be a storyteller, an artist and more than just acting." Since since then, Mayumi has continued to increase her film work by collaborating with the artist Amanda Sum on artful music videos that challenge expectations and test the conventions of filmmaking.
"The most valuable advice I've ever received from a person that wasn't me was the one who told me to own my talents," says Mayumi. This means embracing her work, even if it's amidst self doubt. "Don't hesitate to refuse to do what you want to do to others," she adds. "You think"Oh you're too for you to do anything. Oh, but I won't get in. But, it's highly unlikely to occur. Nobody has told you that this is happening. It's been said to you. Don't let it bother you, shoot the shot, and you never know. Most of the time, it works out."
We had a chance to chat with Mayumi prior to the debut of her Staff Picked film "Different Than Before" took home the Jury Award for Best Music Video at 2023 SXSW festival. Take a look at the highlights of our chat in the video above, and read the full interview here.
What are some of the topics that you find yourself revisiting repeatedly in your work?
Mayumi Mayumi: The themes that I often explore in my films are searching for identity and usually include the family drama. I believe that a large proportion of my movies stem from the personal, which means that there are family relationships, or that are encased in between cultures cross-generational, intergenerational and multi-cultural tend to be my forte.
What motivates you to keep going?
Mayumi One great thing about film is that it continues to live throughout time. Film tells stories and you're like a capsule, and then it can continue to exist forever, much like the people who can live their lives even when they're no longer around. In my opinion, I've watched numerous films that were produced before my birth that influence my life. If I was an instrument to make stories that will continue to be told throughout the years I realized that was my goal after I made my own films that I loved. I began to think, "Ooh, there's more to this. There's a bigger call beyond telling my story about the things I'm passionate about."
We would love to know what you thought about the Staff Pick experience.
Mayumi The experience was truly, truly exciting. In my opinion, the film had an impact on us all, since the film carried a message for the social and we wanted to have a reach, not just because each of us worked hard on the film, but also because the message had to be conveyed at the moment, in addition to. And we released it at the time of Asian Heritage Month, so it really mattered that many viewers saw it and appreciated the message. Staff, on contrary, was able to boost that, so I really enjoyed this.
I had been very familiar with Staff Picks, and I was thinking, "Oh, that's the most cool crowd of people." This led me to consider "Oh, am I worthy?" Then I'm feeling as if it's just awesome people that hang out. I'm honored to be in the group.
What's the next step to you?
Mayumi"What's in store for me is my first feature film, based on my initial short film"AKASHI. It's been a long journey and I feel just thrilled that we get to make this film. I'm very excited to present the film at a cool festival and then be able to share the film with my friends later on.
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