Meet Lydia Fiyori | Filmmaker, Storyteller

We had the good fortune of connecting with Lydia Fiyori and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Lydia, we’d love to hear about how you approach risk and risk-taking
Taking risks is definitely scary but I tend to embrace them- almost too easily. I think the silver lining is making sure your risks are well informed and calculated. When I chose to film my directorial debut in Ethiopia, it was a wild move. I had to come up with 10k in less than 2 months and somehow find people to help me make it happen all while there being a language barrier. I had to work extra hard with late nights and early mornings but I was determined. When things wouldn’t go as planned I had to adapt and find solutions to see my vision through. Despite all the obstacles, there were so many aspects of this experience that aligned so perfectly that I can’t even logically explain- it had to be divine. Take your time to put in the work you need to feel comfortable enough to make a jump, but when it’s time, you have to just trust yourself and in God that things will work out in your favor. I really believe the intention and action you take will be met with the same energy and that approach hasn’t failed me yet. Obviously things go wrong all the time but that’s life. How boring if we knew everything that was going to happen. I don’t regret any of the risks I’ve taken because I’ve always learned something essential or met someone essential to my success in the long run. Find what you can learn from each experience and apply it to your next play for the next jump so your landing is even more graceful.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
The stories I tell take a unique approach to universal feelings and experiences. I am 1st generation American and I feel as though it gives me an advantage at seeing stories and emotions from a different perspective. My stories are usually taboo with an ironic depiction. Sometimes I feel as though film, especially Hollywood, tends to play it safe with the types of stories being told. I think people are smarter and more capable than we give credit for. So my goal is to challenge common myths, misconceptions and stereotypes in media through these unique and dynamic characters and stories.

Growing up I was involved in many activities like dance, theater, music, writing, and I was an avid reader. What I didn’t realize until I was almost done with high school is that the common thread was storytelling. Film incorporated all forms of what I love so it just made sense. After graduating from SCAD Atlanta, I built up my network of filmmakers and really got all contracts through referrals and word of mouth. My network has been essential to my success- even moreso than school. It can be hard in this industry at times though because you can easily get burnt out from overworking, or go through a dry season where you don’t get enough work. Patience and perseverance are the most vital skills I had to learn to get through these times. The saving grace through all of this when I’m feeling discouraged is remembering my purpose and honoring that.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
So many experiences have inspired and motivated me along my journey. My network of friends in my industry have been pivotal to my success and I couldn’t do it without them. They have looked out for me in numerous ways and constantly motivate me to accomplish my dreams. One of my closest friends and colleagues, Sydney Seabron, has been such a light and inspiration to me. We’ve worked on many projects together and seeing another black woman who maintains her integrity in this industry is so important to a likeminded black woman like myself. Her instagram is @noodlevisuals. Another boss is Cay Lyles, someone who has been an amazing friend and business partner. She has introduced me to a whole new network of people in my industry and I am forever indebted to her. Her page is @caycreatedit. Of course another dynamic black woman is my mother who is the most hard working, independent and caring person I know. She reminds me every day that I can always do better while also maintaining my morals and integrity.

Instagram: @lydiafiyori & @passoverscarsfilm

Linkedin: Lydia Asmerom-Hall

Image Credits
@Jothejuicegod took some photos