An Interview with Nijla Mumin
by Samina Uddin, Features Editor on February 25, 2009 in Features
Nijla Mumin contributed 11 photographs to HKS’s Black History Month silent auction. Her photographs are currently on display on the ground floor of the Taubman Building.
In the following interview, Mumin discusses her recent filmmaking projects, her photography, and offers her perspective on Black History Month.
Q: You are an artist in the broadest possible sense. You’re a photographer, filmmaker, and writer. Tell us about your latest projects.
A: I’m currently working on two documentaries. “BACKUP! Concrete Diaries” is about the verbal and physical harassment women experience while walking down the street and in other public spheres, and how they resist this harassment. We just completed a 30-minute version of the film and hope to have the feature length version completed by this summer.
I recently finished another documentary called “Without Judgment,” which seeks to dispel stereotypes about Muslim women in America. The film ranked ninth place in the first round of judging of the 2009 One Nation Many Voices film contest, which showcased films about Muslim people living in America. It was a huge honor.
In addition to filmmaking, I’m always taking photos. I take my camera everywhere, documenting the world with my photography. This summer, I hope to travel to Brazil to practice my art – either to Bahia or Rio. I would also love to go to Veracruz, Mexico or Palestine.
Q: The photographs you submitted for the silent auction look very professional. Are you formally trained in photography or did you pick up the skill on your own?
A: Although my first formal training was in a high school darkroom photography class, my passion for photography didn’t develop until my junior year of college. I took an introductory class in the summer of 2006; my professor was intense and amazing. After the course ended, I continued taking pictures and studied the works of numerous photographers.
I’ve also accumulated several new cameras since then, including digital ones, though my favorite continues to be an old manual camera my mom bought before my siblings and I were born. Despite the new technology, my heart remains with film photography and the manual function.
Q: In the silent auction collection, several of your photos feature people personally close to you. Are your family and friends often the subjects of your photography?
A: Yes, they are. My sister is one of my best subjects. So is my friend Janine. The technique is inspired by Roy Decarava, a photographer who actually lived with his subjects. He did everything with them; some of his best photos were in intimate spaces.
Q: Of all the photographs you donated to the auction, which is your favorite?
A: Two photos are particularly meaningful to me. “Learners” is a picture of a young South African boy raising his hand in class. I loved his excitement, vibrancy, and anxiety – he was so eager to learn. I took the photo while on a filmmaking trip to Mamelodi, South Africa in 2007.
My other favorite is the photo of my sister eating in low light. The combination of the light and her facial expression is haunting. The photo revealed to me how much my technique had advanced.
Q: Another one of your photographs, “Past and Present,” juxtaposes young Black children in Southeast D.C. with portraits of important figures in Black history. Comment on the contrast in the photo.
A: The aspirations of these children are to be the best they can be, to get an education, and seize opportunities. These opportunities are the legacy of the black figures in the portraits; they paved the way for the younger generation. In a way, the children are a manifestation of old leaders’ successes; they are walking the path created by these figures in history.
Q: Two of your photographs feature musicians at an African Diaspora for Obama event. Tell me more about what you witnessed.
A: The African Diaspora for Obama is a Washington grassroots coalition of Obama supporters. A lot of people performed that night, sharing their culture through art. There was dancing, singing, and painting. I was there to film the event and take photos.
The artistic energy I witnessed that night was breathtaking. It was a testament to the talents and ambitions of our generation. The drummer in one of my photos was totally in his own world – he was truly expressing himself and you could see that. All of the artists were so inspired by the possibility of a “President Obama.”
Q: What would be your dream project?
A: I’m a really big fan of dance and of the Alvin Ailey Dance Company. It would be so great to follow them on tour and take behind-the-scenes photos of their practices and performances.
Q: One of the events at HKS this month was a discussion on whether Black History Month is still relevant. What are your thoughts?
A: It is still relevant. But Black history shouldn’t be relegated to a 28-day celebration. At an early age, I was taught to treasure my history and heritage every day. I would go to the bookstore to read about Harriet Tubman and other Black history figures. In our house we had art by Black painters. So while Black History Month is an important reminder of the contributions of Black history to America and the world, it should not be confined to a single month.
Nijla Baseema Mumin is a writer, photographer, and filmmaker from the San Francisco Bay Area. Currently attending Howard University’s MFA Film Program, she is also a graduate of the University of California, Berkeley where she earned a bachelors degree in mass communications. She seeks to magnify the stories of all people, by creating quality, in-depth movies, poetry, and photography.
Comments
4 Responses to “An Interview with Nijla Mumin”
Got something to say?
Nijla Mumin is one of our finest promising artists. With her dedication, intelligence and eye for beauty we have yet to see what she brings us next.
Thank you.
I have been a fan of Nijla’s art for quite some time now, and hope to work with her one day in the near future. She puts her heart and soul into every piece of film, photography, etc. And it’s really easy to see.
i AM EXCITED TO SEE THIS SISTAH GROW AND DEVELOP! NIGILA YOUR VOICE IS AUTHENTIC AND YOU SPEAK TO TODAY, TOMORROW AND YESTERYEARS! KUDOS…
Najla your photos inspire me. I am a fan. You speak the truth through your photographs.