Very few Indian Gujarati made a name in Hollywood, and out of that, few come to Rima Mori. ‘The Only Women Director in Hollywood who comes from Gujarat-India.’
Today, when the whole world is creating History women, play an essential role in it. In the time of empowerment and chaos here is another inspirational story of Rima Mori, a Gujarati born Hollywood Director and Producer.
First Gujarati Female Working as Director in Hollywood:
She may be the first Gujarati Female to reach Hollywood and work there as a Director and Producer. Rima was born in Junagadh and grew up in Ahmedabad. Like many people, her journey too was not comfortable.
Journey to Hollywood:
Let us tell you how she followed her passion for filmmaking and storytelling, which led her to Hollywood, Los Angeles. Growing up in a modest family, Rima was introduced to the western cinema by her ambitious mother. She watched her first Hollywood movie Jurassic Park, an Adventure film by the one and only Steven Spielberg, after that it was hard for her to stop.
Visionary and Passionate:
As a teenager, she enjoyed watching the makings of the movies and shortly after her bachelor and post-graduation she got admission in the prestigious New York Film Academy, Los Angeles. She gained professional experience during her studies and worked in Hollywood for four years.
Some of her Award-Winning Projects:
She Directed and Produced several award-winning short films such as My Girl, Baby’s Night out, Queen’s Game, Slumberland, Winter Girl and Beggar and Painter – A story based on Oscar Wilde’s short stories. ‘I have always believed that there is no limit in cinematic storytelling, and that is the most exciting part about filmmaking.
She gets inspired by good stories:
Films educate, inspire, showcase talent and do so much and change a person’s life by just telling a story with visuals. Isn’t it amazing?’ Says Rima. At the beginning of her career, she worked for Eurus Productions in Los Angeles. ‘My inspiration comes from great directors such as Steven Spielberg,
Greta Gerwig, Andrea Arnold, Guy Ritchie, Jodie Foster, Meghana Gulzar, Jennifer Lee, Zoya Akhtar and many others.’ All of them have their method of telling stories, and they are unique.
Hollywood Director Rima Mori:
As a Director, I focused on what kind of stories I want to tell and why. There is a ‘Why’ behind everything in filmmaking and I love the whole process.’ Was it easy for you to pick to be a Director in Hollywood? :’Well, it is hard to explain- and I am incredibly grateful to my parents and my brother for believing in me and pushing me to pursue my passion.
Adapting to Western Culture, but pillar will always remain Indian Culture in Life:
I grew up in India, and the culture is a little overwhelming when it comes to working under a woman which I have witnessed many times. So, when I moved to Los Angeles, I saw a discipline and respect in people I worked with, which was quite an experience, a different one. Attending New York film Academy in Los Angeles was a life-changing experience.’ A profession which is male dominating even though women are coming forward slowly, Rima has stood still to further herself in the industry as an Indian Hollywood Director and Producer.
Recent and Upcoming Projects:
She is also working on a theatre play called ‘Private Wars’ and a feature film called ‘The Dry State’ which she wrote. She believes that if you are lucky enough to choose a profession you love, it is you must use it to bring good change around you. Rima is not just a filmmaker, but she is also a photographer and an environmental activist. The journey has just begun for her, and there is so much to learn, craft and tell in the future.
