Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Joyfiana Venessa Suryakusuma. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Joyfiana Venessa, so good to have you with us today. We’ve got so much planned, so let’s jump right into it. We live in such a diverse world, and in many ways the world is getting better and more understanding but it’s far from perfect. There are so many times where folks find themselves in rooms or situations where they are the only ones that look like them – that might mean being the only woman of color in the room or the only person who grew up in a certain environment etc. Can you talk to us about how you’ve managed to thrive even in situations where you were the only one in the room?
Being the only one in the room who looks different can be both a challenge and an incredible opportunity. I’ve learned to embrace my uniqueness as a source of strength rather than a limitation. When I first moved to America and found myself as the only Indonesian in my class, it was daunting. I felt the weight of being different, but over time, I realized that this difference offered me a distinct perspective that my peers didn’t have.
While many of my classmates shared similar backgrounds and experiences, my unique upbringing allowed me to bring something fresh to the table. I learned to view my cultural heritage as a rich resource. My stories, experiences, and traditions became conversation starters, sparking curiosity and interest among my peers. This helped foster connections that might not have happened otherwise.
Embracing my identity also taught me resilience. In situations where I felt like an outsider, I found the strength to speak up, share my thoughts, and assert my viewpoint. I discovered that my voice added value, enriching discussions with insights that my classmates may not have considered. This made me realize that diversity isn’t just about representation; it’s about the unique narratives and perspectives that each individual brings.
Moreover, being different encouraged me to cultivate adaptability. I learned to navigate cultural differences and find common ground with others, enhancing my communication skills and emotional intelligence. It’s a valuable asset in any environment, enabling me to connect with people from various backgrounds.
Great, so let’s take a few minutes and cover your story. What should folks know about you and what you do?
Growing up as an only child, I was designated to be my parent’s photographer when we went on family vacations and trips. I remember feeling very important and proud whenever my dad would hand me his camera after he made all the adjustments and let me press the trigger. When I moved to Australia when I was 14 years old for high school, I often felt lonely. But when I took my first filmmaking class, I fell in love with the craft as it gave me the same feeling as performing. I could feel the same adrenaline that I usually crave during performances and I also found a community that likes the same things I did. Right then, I knew I wanted to make films and tell stories for other people to enjoy too. I started to see filmmaking as a medium to record every idea, concept, performance, and story for me to tell everyone, no matter where they are.
As I progressed through the film program at CSUN, I found myself increasingly drawn to cinematography. The technical aspects of the craft fascinated me—how a camera’s lens could transform a scene, how light could create mood and evoke emotion. Each frame became a canvas, and I reveled in the challenge of capturing the essence of a story visually. The collaboration with my team during productions was invigorating; together, we crafted worlds that were both fantastical and deeply relatable.
Now, as I focus on becoming a director of photography while pursuing my master’s at LMU, I’m dedicated to honing my skills and expanding my creative vision. I’m captivated by the power of visuals to tell compelling stories and connect people. I see every project as an opportunity to explore new perspectives and innovate within the medium. My journey, from the lonely kid behind a camera to a passionate filmmaker, has solidified my commitment to storytelling through film—making art that resonates with others and brings us all a little closer together.
There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?
Having good time management is one of the most important skills that I believe is key in filmmaking, where deadlines are everything. As a Director of Photography, I am in charge in both the camera and lighting department, I need good time management skills to make sure I am able to plan and discuss what I needed from my two departments as we do pre-production and production. I learned early that prioritizing tasks and allocating time wisely allows for creativity to shine through as we are filming. For those starting out, developing strong time management skills is key. Being consistent in managing your time will help you work more efficiently and set a solid foundation for future success.
The ability to work well with a team is equally important. Filmmaking is inherently collaborative; every project involves different talents, from writers and directors to cinematographers and actors, production design and sound. I found that my most successful films come from strong teamwork and open communication. Learning to value different perspectives and use each team member’s strengths has been vital in creating engaging stories. Practice active listening and embrace feedback as a way to grow in this field is important. Building strong relationships with your peers enhances your projects and creates a supportive network for your development.
Finally, a willingness to learn has been crucial in the ever-changing world of filmmaking. Especially in the field of cinematography, new technologies and storytelling techniques are always emerging, and being curious has opened many doors for me. To develop this willingness, seek out resources like online courses, workshops, and industry events. Follow filmmakers who inspire you and analyze their work. Don’t be afraid to step outside your comfort zone—trying new techniques or genres can lead to exciting discoveries.
Before we go, any advice you can share with people who are feeling overwhelmed?
As a student and a filmmaker, when I find myself feeling overwhelmed by many challenges, I’ve learned to take a step back and recalibrate my focus. The pressures of deadlines, artistic vision, and collaboration can easily lead to a spiral of anxiety. In those moments, I often turn to distractions so I am able to reset and refocus myself, whether it’s going to the cinema to watch a movie or a tv show or going out to eat with a friend. These breaks create mental space, allowing me to return to my work with renewed clarity.
Once I’m ready to dive back in, I approach the challenges systematically. I break down the project into smaller, manageable tasks, focusing on one aspect at a time. This step-by-step method makes the overwhelming elements feel less daunting and more achievable.
Another key strategy is seeking input from people you trust or friends. Discussing my ideas and concerns with someone who isn’t directly involved in the project or problem at hand can provide fresh perspectives and constructive feedback. Their insights often illuminate paths I hadn’t considered, helping me to navigate obstacles more effectively.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://joyfianavenessa.myportfolio.com
- Instagram: https://youtube.com/@joyfianavenessa?si=SsqBwpULfkikfx74
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joyfiana-venessa-suryakusuma-899254210?utm_source=share&utm_campaign=share_via&utm_content=profile&utm_medium=ios_app
- Youtube: https://youtube.com/@joyfianavenessa?si=SsqBwpULfkikfx74
Image Credits
BTS by Carlos Ramirez, Carter Niklaus, Jose Ubaya
Images and Film Stills by Joyfiana Venessa Suryakusuma
so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.
