mai youa her

filmmaker

BIOGRAPHY

Mai Youa is a multidisciplinary artist with a growing body of work as an actress, dancer, photographer, and aspiring filmmaker. Based in Minnesota, her creative foundation began in movement and visual storytelling. Over the years, she has cultivated a self-taught photography practice with a focus on portraiture, capturing intimate and expressive moments of the people and communities around her.

Since 2017, Mai Youa has honed her photography skills through consistent experimentation with both DSLR and mirrorless cameras. Her eye for detail and passion for visual composition have made her a sought-after collaborator among peers. As an aspiring filmmaker, she has written several narrative scripts that reflect her vision of telling authentic and meaningful stories, particularly those rooted in personal experience and cultural identity. While these scripts are still in development, they represent her ambition to move from the page to the screen.

Her work is driven by a desire to share the richness of Hmong identity, womanhood, and everyday beauty through multiple mediums. Whether behind the lens or in front of an audience, Mai Youa brings thoughtful intention and a strong sense of community to her creative process.

qualifications

Mai Youa is proficient in both DSLR and mirrorless camera operations, with a primary focus on portrait photography. She has experience in screenwriting and is currently developing original scripts for future film projects. Her creative skill set also includes acting, having participated in several performances that highlight cultural expression and storytelling.

Skills

  • DSLR photography

  • mirrorless camera operations

  • portrait photography

  • screenwriting

  • acting

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