The filmmaker Mayumi Yoshida is forging her unique path by telling her own story.
Mayumi Yoshida is currently being spotlighted due to her involvement in filmmaking however, to listen to her speak about her journey, she found herself filmmaking almost on accident. "I initially started out acting in the role of an actor" declares Mayumi. "There was a lack of roles to choose from, and then there weren't enough roles that which I really, truly enjoyed from the bottom of my being that made me feel"Oh it's me.'" When the chance arose to secure financing for a film with short duration, Mayumi was able to do more than just play a role but manage the film, which is a narrative about herself.
"That led to so many film festivals,"" says Mayumi. "It led me to feel that there was a lot to do in my capacity as an artist, a storyteller along with being an actor." Since the time, Mayumi has continued to gradually expand her filmography and has been working with the artist Amanda Sum on artful music videos that change expectations and test the genre's structure.
"The most valuable advice I've received from anyone was when they told me to own my talents," says Mayumi. That means fearlessly championing her passion regardless of doubt in her own mind. "Don't ever be afraid to say no to anyone else," she adds. "You are thinking"Oh, but this is not going to work but. Oh, but I won't get in. But, it's unlikely to happen. There is no one who had told you this up to now. You've heard it said. Let it go. shoot the shot, and you never know. Most times it does work out."
We got to chat with Mayumi just before the release from her Staff Picked film "Different Than before" was awarded the Jury Award for Best Music Video at the 2023 SXSW festival. Watch our highlights in the following video, and then read the complete interview in the following article.
What are the main themes you keep returning to time and again in your work?
Mayumi Mayumi: The topics I frequently investigate in my films is the search for identity, often with the family drama. I think a lot of my work comes from intimate locations. Therefore, relationships between families, or being stuck among cultures, intergenerational, multi-cultural are kind of right for me.
What is your motivation?
Mayumi The one thing I love about film is the fact it's a continuous experience. It tells a story and you're like the inside of a space capsule. Then it will just live on for eternity, something that people can experience even when you're no longer present. In my experience I've watched a lot of films that were made way ahead of my time , and it affects me. If I was a vehicle to create stories that would endure forever, I thought to pursue that goal after creating films on my own that I really loved. I thought, "Ooh, there's more to this. There's a bigger call that simply tells me what I am passionately in love with."
We would love to hear what you think about the Staff Pick experience.
Mayumi The Experience was truly thrilling. To me, it meant a lot, to everybody, as this movie was a message for the community and everyone desired it to have impact, not just because we all put in a lot of work into the movie as well, but because the message was something that was required during the time as well as. The release of the film took place on the eve of Asian Heritage Month, so it's essential to make sure many viewers understood and understood the message. The staff also, boosted this, so I'm really pleased with the results.
I was familiar with Staff Picks, and I thought "Oh this is the awesome group of individuals." It made me think "Oh do I look like me? Am I worthy?" Then I'm feeling like it's just super cool people who hang out. I'm very happy to be a part of this group.
What's coming up to you?
Mayumi The next thing in store for me is my first feature film inspired by my short film called AKASHI. It's been a very lengthy process and I'm content that we get to shoot this. It's a great pleasure to present the film at these incredible festival and share it with , in the future.
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