S2_E11 Maya Bastian: Tamil Roots, Rebel Spirit, and Cinematic Truths

Today's episode is with Maya Bastian, an award-winning Tamil Canadian filmmaker. In this episode, Maya shares her profound journey of self-discovery, cultural identity, and creative expression.

Key Insights:

• Embracing Tamil Identity: Maya discusses her initial rejection of her Tamil heritage and her transformative journey towards embracing and understanding ​.
• Legacy of Conflict: She opens up about the impact of the Tamil Eelam struggle on her family and her work, driving her to tell stories that reflect this histo​​ry.
• Rebellion and Resilience: Maya reflects on her rebellious youth, influenced by the Tamil spirit of resilience and the familial trauma.
• Storytelling as Vindication: She talks about the importance of telling the stories of her ancestors and the Tamil community, seeing it as a duty to vindicate their experiences of trauma and oppressi​​on.
• Filmmaker as a Truth Teller: Maya emphasizes the role of filmmakers in challenging popular narratives and revealing the truths found within communities, especially those with backgrounds of trauma like he​​rs.

You can learn more about Maya here:
www.instagram.com/mayabasti