This year we asked filmmakers to help you get to know them better. Meet Yasmin Mistry, director of Family Rewritten, part of the Women on the Frontline stream.

WHAT WAS THE INSPIRATION FOR THIS FILM?

As a Court Appointed Special Advocate who has volunteered in the child welfare system for over a decade I wanted to use my skills in film and animation to give youth in the foster care system an opportunity to be heard.

We originally interviewed numerous current and former foster youth, intending to share their stories in one short film.  However, our interviews lasted between 3  – 9 hours each and we ended up with much more material than could possibly fit into one film. Every one of these stories was too important to end up on the cutting room floor, so as a result, we decided to make a series of short films which would profile different foster youths stories, giving them each an opportunity to be heard. “Family Rewritten” is the third film in this series.

What do you like about your film? 
I love that current and former foster youth helped create the film. They worked as writers, producers, camera operators, production assistants and more.

The artwork seen throughout the film uses type as texture and all the written works are from the writing portfolios of Camilla and Princess, two foster youth who used poetry and writing to as a means for self expression during their time in foster care. Our artists did a fantastic job and I wish we had the time and budget to include even more of their work.

What have you learned about life? 
Life is short. Enjoy the adventure.

Give us a quote. 
“I didn’t have to feel ashamed of my story. It doesn’t change who I am and it doesn’t define who I am.”
                                   — Camilla Tecsy (film subject, “Family Rewritten”)