Conversations with Amina Bahy

Today we’d like to introduce you to Amina Bahy.

Hi Amina, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
My film journey started when my mother handed me a flip video camera when I was seven years old. I loved spending hours a day recreating popular movies such as ‘Coraline’, ‘The Wizard of Oz’, ‘Death Becomes Her’ etc. with my Barbies and Bratz dolls.

When I turned fourteen years old, I joined an acting camp led by Sara Wood, the mother of Evan Rachel Wood. This camp was based in the San Fernando Valley. During these summers, we’d spend weeks studying cold reading, improv, on-camera work, scene study, and audition techniques. These skills would transfer onto the screen when we’d make our annual movie, which would premiere later that year at a theatre of Wood’s choice in Hollywood, CA. Luckily for me, these films gave me IMDB credit and the confidence to move forward in my career.

During those same formative years, I was involved in the four-year film program at my high school. Here, I began learning about film history, broadcast journalism, and film production. I was also gifted my first film award at the Calabasas Film Festival under the category “Best Ensemble”.

When I got to college, I continued acting but began modeling, production design/art directing work, as well as production assistant/commercial work. I’ve met so many amazing filmmakers, artists, musicians, etc. in my career that have taught me so much and have given me so many opportunities. Without the immense support of my community, I definitely wouldn’t have gotten as far as I have.

Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
Any professional field in the arts won’t be a smooth road. Anyone who says otherwise is lying. There have been times where people (family, friends, even other coworkers) have told me, “You’re making a mistake”, “How can you ever expect to make a living?”, “Do you think this will actually get you somewhere?”, “No one will ever see your work” etc.

Self-doubt and artistic insecurity will always be a personal demon for me. I usually struggle with feeling confident in my performance or expressing a message the ‘exact’ way I mapped out in my head. Sometimes I wonder if I truly deserve an opportunity or if someone else ‘deserves it more’. Other times, I wonder if a character, idea, or script being trusted to me is the right move, and I fall back into a hole.

These moments are heartbreaking and always make me second-guess why I do what I do. But in the moments where I find myself drowning in the opinions of others, I remind myself that my work is the only reason why I breathe. It’s life and death for me. I think to myself, “Is pursuing and failing really as bad as keeping it safe and not trying?” The answer is always “No”. I’d rather throw myself into the black abyss and, possibly, find some outlandish treasure than stare from above in a safe place and wonder.

Another struggle I’ve dealt with during my career would definitely be the low-income aspect, especially when one is starting their professional artistic journey. There have been hundreds of dollars spent and never returned for the sake of one beautiful shot. I try to remember that money is infinitely abundant for everyone, and there’s always more to come. A captured moment in real-time is timeless and priceless. It’s worth every cent in my pocket; bruise and scratch on my body for the attempt to create a moment only thinkable in my dreams.

Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I’m a filmmaker specializing in film acting and a model. What I’m most proud of, so far, are the films and photo shoots I’ve created with my close friend group at CSUN (California State University, Northridge) and other artists I’ve met along the way.

What sets me apart from others is my dedication to my craft. When I’m hired for a project, I’m 110% engulfed into said project. I will throw myself into a leech-infested river for a photo shoot and pray my blood doesn’t get sucked dry; I will choke on chess pieces for a single shot in a friend’s film; I will drain my bank account for the perfect set design; I’ll be covered in bruises and scratches after a day’s shoot because I refuse to let anyone else do my stunts.

Like I’ve said before, my craft is life and death for me. I’ve dedicated my life to my art and I will fully commit myself to any project I’m graciously allowed to be a part of. If I don’t feel committed to a project, the whole experience feels like a waste of time. My version of ‘committed’ is more intense in my own head, but it’s the only way I’m able to feel proud about the work I’ve done and, especially, the work that has been entrusted to me. The last thing I’d ever want to do is disappoint a fellow artist who has given me their baby (aka a script, idea, concept, story, etc.) That’s why this field is so exciting to me and will forever be exciting to me. My strengths are adaptability and open-mindedness with anyone who has a unique idea. Even if I don’t personally identify with it, I’m more than happy to learn and find ways in which I can. The most exciting part of this business is that there always will be a new person with a different mind around the corner. The possibilities of creation are endless.

Do you have any advice for those just starting out?
My advice for anyone just starting out would be to keep going. The business itself is discouraging and favors a small group of people. If you love making art, whatever art that may be, I believe it’s your duty to tread forward. There’s a positive effect in everything an artist creates whether that’s personal satisfaction and/or artistic congregation.

I’m still learning and will always be learning (which is half the fun of this field). What I wish I knew before starting out would be to put my ego to rest more. There will always be someone to put you down, criticize, and attack you simply for expressing. What I keep having to remind myself is that I’m proud of myself for having the confidence to express myself artistically in the first place. Many people are scared to do that; therefore negative/discouraging comments shouldn’t matter.

Only take advice, comments, and criticism from people whom you wish to match their place. Still then, don’t internalize anything. Art is forever subjective and there will always be at least one person who identifies with the way one naturally expresses themselves.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: @aminabahy

Image Credits
Photographer Instagram Handles: – @quragallery – @nemoiistriikes – @a.r__prod – @marioriverax – @vanni_2020 – @ericbey_photography