The filmmaker Mayumi Yoshida is forging her own path in the world of personal storytelling

Mayumi Yoshida may be, now in the spotlight for her filmmaking - however listening to her tell her journey, she discovered herself making films almost by chance. "I originally started acting as an actor" declares Mayumi. "There were not many opportunities to play roles, and there weren't many roles that I really, loved from the core of my being that made me feel 'Oh, this is me.'" So, when an opportunity became available to raise funds to create a short movie, Mayumi took the initiative to be a part of the film, not just a character as well as also the director the film, which is a personal narrative.

"That resulted in a myriad of film festivals," Mayumi says. Mayumi. "It caused me to feel"Oh there's so much more that I could be doing as a storyteller and an artist rather than being just an actor." Since then, Mayumi has continued to steadily build her film repertoire including collaborating with artist Amanda Sum on artful music videos that challenge expectations and challenge the limits of the genre's structure.

"The most valuable advise I've received from anybody other than myself was when they suggested I take ownership of my capabilities," says Mayumi. It's about having the confidence to promote her cause even in the midst of self doubt. "Don't be afraid of saying no to anyone other than yourself," she adds. "You feel like, 'Oh, but it's not going to work yet. Oh, but I won't get in. There's no way to get in.' Nobody has told you that yet. Actually, you've already informed them. So, just take it off your mind. Take the shot, and you'll never be able to. Most of the time, it is successful. out."

The opportunity came to talk with Mayumi prior to the releasing of her staff Picked film "Different Than Before" which was given the Jury Award for Best Music Video at 2023's SXSW festival. Watch the highlights from our chat in the above video as well as go through the whole interview in the following article.

   What topics do you see yourself re-visiting over and over in your works?  

Mayumi Mayumi: The themes that I often look at in my films are seeking identity and often familial drama. The majority of my films originate from intimate settings. Therefore, the dynamic of families and even those stuck in between cultural, intergenerational, and multi-cultural relationships are definitely for me.

   What are your motives?  

Mayumi The great thing about films is the fact that they continues to exist forever. The story you tell the film has become a vessel however it'll continue to exist forever. This is exactly what the characters feel even if you're not more in their vicinity. There are several films before I was born and have a profound impact on my own life. If I was the medium for telling stories that could endure forever, this was the goal I had set after I created films that I loved. I thought to myself, "Ooh, there's more to this. It's more than just sharing what I am passionate about."

   We'd love to hear about the details of your Staff Pick experience.  

Mayumi Mayumi The experience was incredibly, truly exciting. In my opinion, it was a massive achievement for all involved, as the film was a message to the community and everyone desired it to be a success not just because each involved put in a lot of effort to make the project, but since the message is needed right now, as well as. The film was released during Asian Heritage Month, so it really mattered that lots of people watched the film and saw the film. And staff, they just did their part to boost that. It was truly gratifying to me.

I was familiar of Staff Picks, and I was thinking, "Oh, that's the most interesting group of people." This caused me to feel like "Oh do I belong? Am I worthy?" Then I'm feeling as if it's just amazing people who get together. I'm really happy to be a member of this community.

    What's next?  

Mayumi: The next thing for me to do is my first film that's based on my first short film, AKASHI. It's been a long journey and I'm so happy in the possibility of being in a position to shoot this. It's great to showcase this film at some of these cool festival and then have it shared with other people, in the future.

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