NADIA SHIHAB

Filmmaker Nadia Shihab rarely chooses a project with conscious determination. Her process is much more personal and intuitive. “I never say ‘I want to make a film about X.’ With my last three films, I began by filming with family in one of our homes. It’s a place to begin,” she said. “It’s usually not until the end when I can look back and understand what the film was about or why I made it.”

The artist draws inspiration from her influences – her family, especially the women. “I come from a long line of strong women – mothers, midwives, teachers, architects, painters, political organizers – and I consider my voice as an artist as a continuation of this chain,” she said. “I owe everything to their struggles and when possible, I allow their voices and stories to find expression in my own work.”