Meet Malika Maxat of Burbank

Today we’d like to introduce you to Malika Maxat

Hi Malika, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
The night my grandmother passed away, I had a dream where I bade farewell to her. Her eight-year battle with Alzheimer’s finally ended, bringing peace to her soul. This profound experience inspired my bachelor’s diploma film and deepened my belief in the power of storytelling. Expressing emotions through art became my way of coping and connecting with others.

I grew up in Aktobe, Kazakhstan, and by the age of 12, I knew I wanted to be a filmmaker. Back in my hometown at the University of the Arts, I majored in animation. This experience taught me the importance of patience, diligence, and attention to detail. I also discovered my love for directing and screenwriting. Currently, I study at the New York Film Academy in Los Angeles, where I continue to develop my skills as a filmmaker.

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?
The road to where I am today has not been smooth. Choosing a career in the arts was challenging, especially growing in a family that valued more traditional and stable professions. Convincing them to support required perseverance and many difficult conversations.

Additionally, as a woman from Central Asia, unfortunately I experienced discrimination and stereotypes in the film industry. Despite these challenges, I remained committed to my dream, using setbacks as motivation to push harder and prove myself.

As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
The paradox of my stories is that, as a woman director, author and artist from Central Asia, who comes from a completely different background, I still end up telling stories with fundamental human values ​​that are inherent in any culture and personality.

What matters most to you?
At several film festivals and screening events I was touched by the sincere support and admiration from the audience of my movies all over the world. These interactions reinforced my passion for filmmaking, my desire to share stories that connect people.

My goal is to create films that leave a lasting impact, provoke thought, and provide a range of emotions. But the most important thing is my path makes me just a happy person who is completely in love with Art. And I am endlessly grateful for that I’m lucky enough to do what I have always dreamed of.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/maxatqyzy/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/people/Malika-Maxat/pfbid02pt2pM5NweTRvShhDpFyzzQqJvMUQi4j8o9KoKtuwMug1oXpEyaotjXT5nTujmrAbl/
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCK4FxjUzo77Vv9KidDCMxkQ

Image Credits
Kushagra Jain