Interview with film director Mahnoor Shakila Yousaf

Welcome Ms Yousaf we are very excited to have you today with us to discuss about your work.

First off, Who is Maha Yousaf and how did the passion for filmmaking begun ?

Maha Yousaf is a Pakistani-American multidisciplinary artist with a B.A in Visual Studies, at Ringling College of Art and Design. She uses Film, Photography, Graphic Design, and Visual Development to explore themes of identity and empowerment in her work. These all derive from her experiences in Pakistan and the United States. 

Can you tell us about your previous work ?
This is my first formal short film- I previously worked for a in-house production company for my school Ringling College of Art and Design called Art Network- there I would take on multiple roles based around different projects- sometimes as editor, camera crew, producer, etc.

CONVERSATION ABOUT: ‘‘The South Asian Dream’’

Talk to us about your film ''Standards'' , how was it created and what inspired it ? 

Standards: the south Asian dream, follows a girl who is struggling mentally and emotionally as she deals with the struggles of following a career path that wasn't her passion. This is a sentiment that many south Asian students can relate to or can empathize with. We see her do a form of metamorphosis, as she takes the first step toward following her dream. The film while was the project; the crew was the reason they are part of Standards, the South Asian Dream. We held a Pakistani film crew, by working with local art schools in the area, and collaborated with them to create this project. 

This project was inspired by my story- along with the story of so many others. We see that South Asia has a rich cultural history, especially within the arts- but research shows that after the Civil rights laws and Asian Migration Laws there was a decline in artists and creatives. This was because when the Asim migration laws were passed, people who were able to gain visas are those who “contribute” to society- so those would include doctors, engineers, lawyers etc. That planted the belief in our society that STEM is the way to a successful career- and in turn arts and other creatives or non stem related fields fell. Even today- Canada has a point system in how they can receive visas. 

Who is our main character, ''Noor' and what was the idea behind her personalisation ? Are there any autobiographical hints ?

Noor is someone who people can see falling apart- trying to keep herself together but has surrounded herself around negativity. She actually is an echo of my story years ago. However, the crew and any south Asian creator can echo her story. They fought to pursue their dreams, and now they are. This music video is an homage to them and the struggles they underwent, but also to the people who couldn't and didn't have the opportunity to- all because of the standards our culture and society held us to.

Talk to us about Abdullah Siddiqui and Maanu, the creators of the soundtrack of the film. Is this film used as a music video too ?

I actually was so excited when Abdullah Siddiqui allowed me to use his song in the film- I believe that music is such a powerful method to tell stories and this song held such a strong message that resonated with Noor’s story- it acts as a student short film- not a traditional music video. However if Abdullah Siddiqui and Maanu ever wanted to use it as that- I’m sure I’d be open to that conversation! 

What was the atmosphere you wanted to showcase ?

I wanted to showcase an atmosphere that was vague enough that people could echo themselves into it- but something so recognizable in any South Asian student's educational career. The stress before an exam, the exam hall, the pressure, and then finally the release. 

What is the target audience of your project ?

My target audience is the south Asian community, specifically parents and educators. This is a message about how arts is a viable career- and how we shouldn’t pressure our children too much to pursue something that isn’t their passion. As my Alma Mater always said “Turn Passion into Profession.” You can’t chase after success, chase after happiness, success will follow. 

Is there any hidden symbolism and what is the message the audience should convey leaving the screening of your film ? 

The message that I want the audience to leave with is that arts is a viable career path- but also don’t let what “log Kya kahein ge” (what would people say?) stop you- people will continue to talk regardless of what you do. The idea is that it doesn’t matter because as long as you’re happy at the end of the day. 

Any future projects incoming ? Along with personal aspirations.

Well right now I plan to go into the workforce as a graphic designer, as I am a multi-disciplinary artist, but I do plan to pursue the documentary on the Creative Field in South Asia. I intend to work on a documentary on the similar topic, but this time tied in with the research I did on a documentary photo essay, as well as communicating with parents, educators, and students. I want to advocate for the creative souls in South Asia and create a safe space for them.

That was the interview with our beloved creator Maha Yousaf. Our community is rising everyday, new talented filmakers and screenwriters get onboard. Be sure to check the rest of our interviews and why not schedule one for yourself to promote your work. To publish an interview simply submit on the INTERVIEW OF YOUR FILM category on our Filmfreeway page.