Mara Ahmed
Occupation: Filmmaker (producer, director, writer), artist and senior financial analyst (in my past life).
Community activities: Member of Rochester Against War, Women in Film and Television Rochester and interested in interfaith dialogue and social activism.
My favorite thing to do in Rochester: Java’s on Gibbs Street, Starry Nites, Geva Theatre, Little Theatre, California Rollin, Park Avenue, Highfalls Film Festival and the Jazz Festival.
Biggest challenge I’ve overcome and how I did it: To make a film I thought needed to be made and then proceed to make it from scratch after just two weeklong workshops in filmmaking.
One thing I’ve always wanted to do but never have: Write and stage a multimedia play including performance art, music, video and dialogue.
Something people don’t know about me: When I’m really mentally exhausted, I can actually watch TV.
The one thing I can’t live without: The Internet.
The song that best describes my life: “It’s a Beautiful Day,” by U2.
Favorite guilty meal: Pad thai and really good tiramisu.
Favorite artist or musician: Robert Rauschenberg and Amy Winehouse
Actress I’d like to portray me in a movie about my life: Cate Blanchett (although we don’t look anything like each other, I like her passion and intensity).
