Malkia Mutiri

Photo Courtesy Of Malkia Mutiri

WHAT’S YOUR ORIGIN STORY?
I was born in Bukavu, Congo on September 20, 1985. I grew up there and moved to Kinshasa when I was nine. Stayed there for a bit, more than two years, before having to flee due to the increasing tension in the country. I arrived in Brussels in April of 1997.

WHERE DO YOU LIVE NOW?
In Brussels.

HOW DID YOUR PROFESSIONS COME TO YOU?
My mother used to draw a lot when I was younger. She would sketch from pictures of her beloved, and design clothes. I started doing the same thing with Dragon Balls Z characters first. Then in my teenage years, I would draw Manga’s and copy other artists that I liked. At the end of high school I didn’t think I was good enough, but I wanted to be able to create images and then began with photography first, and then movies became something I could see myself using to create stories through images.

HOW DO YOU EXPRESS YOURSELVES IN YOUR INDIVIDUAL DOMAINS?
I try to keep focus on the intentions and the objectives that were set at the beginning of the project.

IS AFRICA AND ITS DIASPORA EXPERIENCING AN ARTISTIC RENAISSANCE?
I think it’s always been there to some extent. The only difference, in my opinion, is that now it feels easier to hear, see or read about what we were doing all along, so everyone that feels a bit shy to express themselves are motivated just by seeing others pursue their artistic dreams. It feels like a renaissance only because we are rediscovering ourselves through others and that’s cool, too.

ARE YOU FOLLOWING THE “HOLLYWOOD VERSUS FEMALE DIRECTORS” DEBATE, WHAT'S YOU OPINION?
To some extent, even if I don’t feel concerned directly by it. I’m more interested in women who, in a way, deduct themselves from the debate by producing their movies like Ava DuVernay or in Europe, Cheyenne Carron. I feel more concerned with practical examples of progress.

DO YOU HAVE ANY HOBBIES OUTSIDE OF YOUR VOCATION?
Storytelling in general, books, documentaries, TV shows and Manga comics. Other than that, I really like the UFC (Ultimate Fighter Championship) and do a little bit of Kung-Fu.

ARE YOU DOING THE NATURAL HAIR THING, WHAT'S YOUR HAIR CARE SCIENCE?
Yes. I shaved my head three years ago and I’m letting part of my hair grow into dreads. I feel like any science I’m using is still a work in progress since it’s a process. But I try to use natural products and refrain from cutting them when they hit an in-between length.

HOW DO YOU EXPRESS YOURSELF AESTHETICALLY?
It really depends on the weather and my mood. I hate being cold. In the winter I like being comfortable and warm which usually means layers and jeans. In the summer, I wear lighter outfits that let you enjoy the sun. Overall, I think I have a feminine tomboyish style. Most of the time I enjoy finding the balance between the two. When the occasion calls for it, I love to put on a nice dress and everything that goes with it.

WHAT’S THE MOTTO OR ADVICE YOU LIVE BY?
Become who you are.