Today we’d like to introduce you to Natalia Ahmed.
Natalia, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
I am Natalia Ahmed, a highschool student passionate about filmmaking, or anything creative really. I have always been someone who needs a creative outlet. Throughout my life, I have constantly been attracted to different creative expressions. For instance I’ve always preferred to make my own birthday cakes rather than store-bought ones, because I knew only my messy piping of frosting could authentically represent me. I’d spend hours with my grandma at Joann’s, hunting down the perfect fabric to make a dress together. I’d fill my days painting canvases, each bursting with variations of my imagination. Each project I created was my own way to effectively express myself, leaving a fragment of my individuality in every artwork I made. Over time, filmmaking became the one thing that tied all of my passions together. It has allowed me integrate all of the creative aspects into a single piece of art.
Film has taught me more than it is more than the physical craft. Through active volunteerism at the San Diego Film Festival and participation in my school’s filmmaking club, I am reminded that great art flourishes through community and collaboration– not isolation.
Now, I’m organizing a film festival here in San Diego, called Through The Youth Lens Film Festival with non profit Outside The lens. I hope to give young filmmakers a space to share their work, and bring all of these amazing voices together. This is the first event I have formally organized, and I am very eager to see everyone come together. I hope to plan more events in the future and further bring the community together.
Art, in all its forms, have essentially shaped who I am. Its not merely something I enjoy, but rather something that inspires me to give back to my community. I want to create spaces where artists can inspire each other and feel motivated. I hope to continue to support our next generation of storytellers and artists, just like all of the others things in my life have inspired me to where I am today.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
It has definitely not been a smooth road, the constant stress associated with grades, deadlines, and applications have often replaced certain joys in life. There have been times when creating a short film, or anything, has felt exhausting rather than rewarding. Oftentimes all of this pressure with school and other responsibilities have made everything quite overwhelming and has taken away time from pursuing the things I find pleasure in.
Moreover, at times I have questioned whether or not to pursue a career in filmmaking, since it often times is not the most reliable and stable, sometimes feeling like it’s too risky. I’ve grown to realize that pursuing what truly fufills you is what matters more than certainty. I have overcome such doubts, and I know that if I continue to put forth my best effort, it will eventually pay off.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I’m most proud of my ability to naturally connect with others and make a positive impact on my community. Even as a high school student, I’ve found ways to use my creative passions to help people while doing something I personally enjoy and love.
My love for all forms of art has inspired me to take initiative. At my school, I founded Glamour Hands, a club where students are offer volunteer opportunities to visit local senior homes and engage in arts, crafts, and nail painting with residents. We are currently organizing a carepackage intiaitive to reach more seniors. Fellow students dont join simply for volunteer hours, but rather to remind seniors that their voices are not forgotten, but valued. Beyond that, I’ve partnered with Our Lady’s School in San Diego to teach monthly cooking classes for third graders, helping younger children to learn the importance of nutrtition, while also finding love through distinct art forms.
Most recently, my passion for both filmmaking and community has led me to organize a youth film festival called “Through The Youth Lens”. In partnership with the nonprofit Outside The Lens, the festival celebrates young filmmakers and provides a space for the next generation of storytellers to share their voices. This event is taking place on November 12 from 4:30-7:00pm.
Outside of volunteering, I’m very proud of my ability to adapt to my newfound interest of figure skating. I resumed this sport in eighth grade/highschool and I was able to adapt and advance very quickly even though I am considered to have started “late for my age”. I started competing at the local level during my junior year, and I have learned a lot of discipline and patience through this sport. The artistry that is essential to this sport is also something that has drawn me in.
Can you talk to us a bit about happiness and what makes you happy?
What makes me happy is seeing others follow what they are genuinely passionate about. As someone who has struggled with whether or not to fully pursue my own passions, watching others chase their dreams feels refreshing and motivating. I have learned to recognize that fulfillment doesn’t come from doing what’s expected or what is deemed “stable”, but from doing what truly inspires you. I find joy in surrounding myself with creative, driven people who aren’t afraid to take risks, because their energy pushes me to keep growing and doing what I love. We must encourage and uplift our future storytellers.
Pricing:
- The event I am currently organizing is free for submissions as well as attending
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.outsidethelens.org
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/outsidethelens/?hl=en
