The filmmaker Mayumi Yoshida is forging her individual path through personal storytelling

Mayumi Yoshida is lately, in the spotlight because of her work in filmmaking, however, to listen to her talk about her story, she found herself filmmaking almost on accident. "I initially started out as an actor" claims Mayumi. "There was a lack of roles available, then there wasn't enough roles I truly, deeply enjoyed from the bottom of my being and made me feel"Oh, this is me.'" So, when the opportunity arose to secure funding for a film of a shorter length, Mayumi was able to not just play a role but also direct the film, which is a personal narrative.

"That led to so many film festivals,"" says Mayumi. "It led me to feel, 'Oh, there's lots more I could do in my capacity as a storyteller, an artist, and in addition to being an actor." Since then, Mayumi has continued to gradually expand her filmography, notably collaborating with artist Amanda Sum on artful music videos that reshape expectations and challenge the genre's structure.

"The greatest advice I've received from anyone else was when they told me to own my abilities," says Mayumi. That means fearlessly championing her work, even when there is self-doubt. "Don't ever say no to anyone else," she adds. "You are thinking"Oh, but this is not going to work yet. Oh, but I won't get in. But, it's unlikely to occur. There is no one who has told you that until now. It's been said to you. So let that go, shoot the shot, and who knows. Most times it does work out."

We got to chat with Mayumi just before the release of her Staff Picked film "Different Than before" won the Jury Award for Best Music Video at the 2023 SXSW festival. Take a look at the highlights of our conversation in the above video and read the full interview below.

 What are the themes you see yourself returning to over and over in your work?

Mayumi Mayumi: The topics I frequently investigate in my films is the seeking identity and often involving family drama. I think a lot of my films come from intimate places. So, the relationships between families, or being stuck between cultures, intergenerational, multi-cultural are kind of right up my alley.

 What motivates you?

Mayumi The one of the best things about film is the fact that it lasts forever. It tells a story, and you're like a capsule, and then it will just live on eternally, and these people can experience even when you're no longer present. In my experience, I've seen numerous films that were made way ahead of my time , and it affects me. If I were a vessel to create stories that would last forever I decided that was my purpose after creating films of my own which I truly enjoyed. I was thinking, "Ooh, there's more to this. There's a bigger call that just telling me what I love passionately."

 Let us know about your Staff Pick experience.

Mayumi The experience was really thrilling. In my opinion, it meant a lot, to everybody, as this movie had a social message and we all wanted it to have a reach, not only because all of us put in a lot of effort to the film, but also because the message was something that was needed at the time, as well as. We released the film during Asian Heritage Month, so it's important to ensure that lots of viewers saw and felt the message. The staff also, boosted that, so I was really happy with that.

I was acquainted with Staff Picks, and I was thinking, "Oh, that's the cool group of people." That caused me to feel as "Oh is it me? Am I worthy?" And now I just feel like it's just super cool people who hang out. I'm really happy to be a part of this group.

 What's next for you?

Mayumi: What's coming up for me is my debut feature film based off my first short film, AKASHI. It's been an extremely long road and I'm so happy that we actually get to film this. It's a great pleasure to present the film at these amazing festivals and to share it with , one day.