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Asil Moussa
Why did you decide to become an actress/writer/filmmaker?
I’ve always loved telling stories, and I read a lot of books and watched a lot of movies as a kid. After watching the first Harry Potter movie and being so captivated by it all, I knew I wanted to be a storyteller. Then growing up, I realized that movies and television affect our culture greatly. And I remember seeing a lack of good Muslim representation and people who looked like me on screen. So I wanted to be a part of changing that, of including us in the cultural narrative, and sharing our stories with authenticity, empathy, and nuance.
What do you like the most about your job?
I love that I get to tell stories that connect with people. Sometimes it’s aspirational, or with humour, or a fear of theirs, or it’s relatable in a way. I love when I watch a movie and feel like I’m not alone, and that others also feel the way I feel or are going through something too. I enjoy winding down with a movie or show, and it’s a bright spot in my day. And I love that I get to share that with whoever watched the movie with me, or if they’ve seen it on their own. And for all those same reasons for why I love movies/tv, I love making them. Because it’s an honor and privilege to share what I have to say and stories that mean something to me with people, in the hopes that those stories move them and connect with them, too.
What's your normal day like?
My days vary greatly depending on what I’m doing that day. If I’m writing, then I wake up and get right to work. I write during the day either by myself or with a writing partner. In the evenings, I like to wind down with a good book, a movie or TV show, and catch up with family/friends.
If I’m in production or pre-production then the schedule is different. I get up super early and go to set or start prepping for production. It’s likely an all day thing, so I could work anywhere between 12-16 hours in a day.
Who is your biggest inspiration?
My parents overall. In filmmaking: Lena Khan, Mindy Kaling, Greta Gerwig, Reese Witherspoon, Ava DuVernay, Nora Ephron
How was your path becoming an actress/writer/filmmaker?
Alhamdulilah I’m very grateful for my path. There were challenges, but I’m very blessed.
Did you face any struggles being a Muslim woman in this field? How did you overcome them?
Like many people in this industry, probably the biggest struggle is the lack of opportunity. To overcome it, I tried to work harder, create opportunities, and put myself out there. I did this by writing videos/films that I wanted to make or act in. Then I connected with supportive, creative people that I respected and created things together (whether that’s shooting a film I wrote, or working on their films, or writing a script together, or even just getting feedback on my work). Alhamdulilah I’m so grateful for these beautiful film friends/connections. Also, putting my work online and having an online presence helped people see my work and be more inclined to give me opportunities. And finally, reaching out to fellow Muslims in the industry and applying/asking to work with them — it’s how I got my first gig on a feature film. The journey is just that— a journey, filled with ups and downs, and inshaAllah it’s more than worth it.
What’s your favorite thing about being Muslim?
My favourite thing about being a Muslim is knowing that at the end of the day:
1) While my job and career matter, what matters most is God and my relationship to Him.
2) Islam gives my work purpose which is to tell stories of Muslim characters in the way that connects with us, enlightens us, and includes us in the cultural narrative.
3) While going through struggles, I have tawakkul. I do my part, and know that the rest is in God’s hands. What’s meant for me won’t miss me. In a career filled with uncertainty, this is huge.
If somebody wants to be an actress/writer/filmmaker when they grow up, what should they do?
For a filmmaker: Watch films/videos/tv like the ones you want to make. Study them, read books on filmmaking. Start making short videos and films, and share them on Youtube, Instagram, Vimeo. To do this you may need to team up with friends or fellow filmmakers and make projects with them. It’s a great way to build a film community/friends. Build your portfolio and use it to get gigs for bigger projects, or make your own bigger projects/opportunities.
For an actor: If you can, make short videos or films of you acting or film monologues and put them on Youtube (or Instagram or TikTok). Get good headshots. Take an online course, if you can’t do an in-person course. Apply to casting calls. Get an agent.
For a writer: Write. Study movies/shows you love, read books on writing, and come up with a story that you want to share with the world. Work on structure, characters, plot, dialogue. theme, everything. Write it, then rewrite it. Get feedback from people you trust. Then look for opportunities to either get it made or make it yourself or use it as a writing sample to get writing gigs.
If you can give any advice to young Muslim girls/teens, what would you tell them?
As cheesy as it sounds, follow your dreams and your purpose. Find out what makes you feel fulfilled and then pursue it in a way that works for you and your values. If it’s pursuing a career in filmmaking, or any kind of creative career, know that you might need to work a full-time or part-time job until your creative work can fund you (or until you can save up enough that you don’t need to work for a bit). It’s also okay to keep it as a hobby if that’s what you want. Either way, following your passion makes you work harder because you want to be great at it. Use that as motivation. And always, always remember to keep your faith and values first. Let them guide you and also be there for you (along with your family and good friends). Wishing you all the best!
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