Meet Muhyi Ali | Actor, Filmmaker, Comic and Creative

We had the good fortune of connecting with Muhyi Ali and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Muhyi, how do you think about risk?
Without risk there is no reward and as a Capricorn, I love me a REWARD. I am a firm believer in risk taking for your overall advancement. In order to get something you’ve never had, you have to do something you’ve never done. With safety at the forefront, I believe risk taking is the only way I’ve been able to get to where I’ve wanted to be in life and I plan to continue moving in such a manner. There have been times I did not get the result I wanted such as turnout rate or monetary returns on investment, but I don’t see getting an undesired result as a “loss” per se especially if a risk was taken; it’s always a lesson learned and experience points. I am also blessed with the gift of being familiar with my families history and having frequent talks with my grandmother. She’s 83! Because of her life, I am here, it would be a disservice to not explore how far this life can take me. Everyday is a risk, so why not make them BIG! I do what I CAN and because of them, I can do so much!

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I’ve adopted the title “creative” because we’re in a world of multi-hyphenates everywhere. Due to my upbringing and view of the world, my title is ever evolving, but the one common thread in whatever practice of mine, is that it is original and authentically me. I went to school and achieved my Bachelors and Masters in Fine Arts concentrating on Filmmaking, but that’s not how I got to where i am today (that’s just a fun fact) How I got to where I am was through connections and genuine love of the craft and the power of storytelling. I’ve been in many film spaces for all sorts of reasons but the common thread in those spaces is my work ethic and unique authenticity I bring in the space. There have been times where I’ve had to accept jobs that didn’t align with how I wanted to project my career and that was the hardest part. The MONEY and surviving in your authenticity is a difficult task to balance, but I’m equipped with a calling inside of me. It literally won’t let me stay in a space that doesn’t serve a higher power for too long. Being a creative sometimes feels like a blessing and a curse. When it comes to AfroTwin Productions I think it’s imperative that people know our goal is to be a collaborative space and create content that people feel seen in. Our tag line is “we’re here, because You are” and to me that means we are ever evolving and can create as the people do. They should watch one of our films or shows and say “oh my god, this is literally me” I don’t know if I’ve seen that happen too many times, if at all from a larger production house. There are honorable mentions, but I’m honored to create films that younger me would love.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
FIND YOUR COMMUNITY is the best tip I can give to anyone visiting LA. There is so much to do and so many different people to do it with.
I unfortunately have NOT found a food place in LA that is better than cooking at home. Sowwy
Cafe Gratitude is a solid lunch stop if you’ll only be here for a week. ALSO find a yoga class and group fitness event. You can strike up a conversation with nearly anyone here so simply going out to melrose and taking a class or two will throw you into a world of possibility. Comedy open Mic nights are great, that is what we might spend the week hopping to and through. Lastly sunset on the beach. Being originally from the east coast, I’d NEVER experienced that so I do not take that sight for granted. Visit venice beach and rollerskate down the boardwalks. It’s lovely to find a place where you can simply just be.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
Oh goodness! I live to give thanks to those who came before me, to those who shared their light with me and pushed me further. I’ve been blessed to have so many amazing teachers and creatives in my life. My first being my father who instilled faith in me and promoted always being a life-long learner, to remain curious and push boundaries. Because of his influence I truly believe that my voice in this creative space is of great value. Fast forward to my 9th grade theater teacher T.S. Murphy, I do not know what I would be doing if I didn’t have him. Him seeing so much passion for the arts in me and consistently pushing me to be more true in my expression. He and Ms. Villani helped me see a career in this field. Nextly, my collaboration with Talisa Velez I believe was pivotal in the foundation of what AfroTwin Productions is today. She is the reason I became part of Black Girls Film Camp, which propelled my personal mission even more. I live and love community, there are so many people I could shout out individually, but it’s the collective energy and love they give in various ways, from IG hearts, to reposts, to donations, to thumbs ups, to talking about a project, to simply smiling to themselves at a creation of mine, that allows me to move with my head high. I have a whole squad with me.

Website: https://www.muhyiali.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/_shingg

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/afrotwin-productions/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AfroTwinProductions/

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCkcDJRxa7PaPrZb2bZ6kGVA

Image Credits
AfroTwin Productions LLC