Portrait of a Filmmaker: Lilinaz hakimi

Hey Lilinaz! Thank you for being part of our Women’s History Month series. Can you tell us about little about yourself and what you do? What led you to filmmaking??

My name is Lilinaz Hakimi; I am a senior at Columbia University studying Film and Media studies and got a bachelor's in political science focused on the MENA from Sciences Po Paris. I have always been in love with storytelling through acting, writing, and making videos. In Shiraz, it was a form of expression I transported to my classes. My friends and I would create plays and videos exploring different realities, and it was quite a liberating feeling to have the power to travel across the world and back with the use of our imagination. Film became this tool for me, a way to tell small and large stories that entertain and move you. 

Tell me about your “For Her” film project and its inspiration. 

For Her was written when I felt powerless and guilty. From afar, I watched young women my age fight and die for their basic human rights. I wanted to tell the story of women from Iran to the diaspora, and the surreal twist enabled me to do exactly that.

What was the most challenging but rewarding aspect of producing this project? 

This was my very first film, a student film as a full-time student. Going in, there was so much I didn't know, and I knew I was confident enough to learn on the job in part. I felt a sense of urgency to create this film and to help in this movement by using my voice. I think the challenges came to not letting the pressure of support get to me, and yet, what an honor it was to have the support of my community and the diaspora. Alongside this, acting and directing was a challenge but one I felt so blessed to be doing. My crew was amazing, making it even possible for me to consider stepping away from behind the camera. 

What does your creative process look like? 

I think when inspiration strikes, I jot it down in my notebook and let it marinate. I like daydreaming about my ideas, and once I have something of an idea, I talk to people about it. Everyone gives their take or opinion and this is not to have them change my mind or influence my vision, rather hearing people engage with an idea of mine inspires me more. Something they say may strike a nerve, and my brain will go down an unexplored new avenue. In the end, I go back and sit with what I have, how much I feel I have invested in the idea, and how much it is burning inside me to be told. Writing and editing are for sure tough, but once you have that script, the fun begins. You get a team together and let everyone's creativity get involved to amplify your vision. It is truly a one of a kind experience.

Advice for girls who want to take a leap into filmmaking and creative spaces? 

Just do it. Get a group of friends and create a short. Get on that set and get the rush of what it means to create art. It is so daunting to overthink each step- so don't. If I had been thinking about step number 10 when starting step number 1 of FOR HER, I would have failed before trying. It would be too scary. Given the urgency, I felt I wasn't thinking so hard, worrying I wouldn't be good or that it was all too much. Look in front of your feet and move with passion and love. Be patient with yourself and with the process. And have a little faith that things will work out.