Women in the Arts: Creating for change
To commemorate Women's Month, Audaz hosted a guided discussion with two artists, Congolese filmmaker, Maliyamungu Muhande, and Indian/Tanzanian photographer, Roshni Lodhia - two artists who are using their talents as mediums for change. The engaging discussion delved into their respective journeys, finding their voice as creative forces to be reckoned with, challenges women face in the industry, as well as their advice and encouragement for other creatives. Andre-Michel Essoungou talked with the women about their inspiring work and lives. This excerpt of the conversation has been abbreviated for clarity.
Andre-Michel: Tell us about those moments where you had doubts and what made you keep going.
Maliyamungu: Oh, I still have doubts. How am I gonna make it as a black woman in this field where I just don't have anybody close to me who is a model for this? I inherently like to learn, even in my films, I want to be around people older than me and younger, because I want to soak in the wisdom and I want to learn. So I really enjoy mentorship.
Roshni: I've come far in my doubts in my performance as a photographer. And I want to share something that I keep saying to myself - we underestimate how much we can achieve. We overestimate how much we can achieve in a year, but we underestimate how much we can achieve in 10 years. Because I'm not using this for a short run, I'm here for a long run. So I think when you're having doubts, just take a step back and look at how far you've come.
Andre-Michel: I like hearing you talking about your doubts because many people have gone through [this]. As a man, I have to say, I'm always amazed how women will have more doubts, while at the same time being far more competent than men will ever be. In this whole process of you becoming artists, you told us how you got there and when, but ultimately, why? Why are you doing this?
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Roshni: It comes down to purpose and gifting. It took me four years to find that gift and there's many times [I was] doubting and feeling like giving up, but once you find it you want it. For me it's documentary photography, because I get to go into these communities, I get to spend time with them. I get to share their stories as a fly on the wall. And the stories need to be told. So in some way it feels like I'm walking into my purpose. And I'm not sure if that's my full purpose, but it seems like it's the right direction.
Maliyamungu: I love your why Roshni, because it's so similar to my why. It's being able to tell stories of underrepresented people, misrepresented people historically, and archiving those roots. That's my why. I’m archiving something that wasn't there when I needed it when I was a kid growing up, I wasn't able to see those stories. And cinema is its own language, so when we see films, when we see pictures we constantly worship or show people who are not like us, what is that doing to us? What is it doing to my mental health? What is it doing to my sense of worth, my sense of value? When I found my own voice, when I was able to hear my pain, my joys, and I was able to translate it into an artistic form and medium - that saved me. Because I would hit low and confusing places, and I wouldn't see myself. And then there would be a voice in me that would translate this into an art form that would say “you're enough.”?
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Watch the full event on our YouTube channel or listen to the powerful conversation on Audaz Chat.
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