At YouthMundus & Inner Voice Artists, we aim to not only be a platform for music, film and global change, but for the artists and global changemakers who create them.
Our Artist Spotlight series aims to create a space for discovery of new, budding global talent, while simultaneously offering you an exclusive glimpse into their creative process.
In this week’s edition, we’re delighted to feature IVA client and actress Natalie Nasr, who is a vivacious feminist that doesn't believe in luck!
Natalie Nasr was born in Saudi Arabia but grew up living in between Beirut, Lebanon and Copenhagen, Denmark. She moved to Los Angeles when she was 17-years-old and attended Loyola Marymount University. There she received a BA in Theatre and two minors in both Film and Gender Studies. Growing up with a need to outshine her brothers in a male dominated society, Nasr turned to performing at a young age. She was enthralled by Shirley Temple and wanted to perform just like her.
Since moving to LA Nasr has worked on various projects which include indie features, TV series, and several shorts. One of her favorite projects, 'Gia', which is inspired by ‘Heavenly Creatures’, is a story about obsession, love, and destruction centering around the relationship between two young woman.
This week YouthMundus chatted with Natalie Nasr about her need to empower women through human connection, especially in a male dominated industry.
What inspires you and your creative process?
I’m inspired when I watch other brilliant artists and actors work. Their talent, passion, and drive is what fuels me. Some of my biggest inspirations include Audrey Hepburn, Meryl Streep, Amy Adams, Robin Williams, and Eddie Redmayne.
What is the connection between your acting and social justice? Why?
Acting is an art form in which one can express truth through performance, connect with a wide audience, and tell a story. Together these elements have the potential to influence people and change lives. As such, an actor has the power to really be a social justice hero. My own love for performance and storytelling is fueled by my burning desire to spread awareness and to prove to this world that women can do anything. I want to tell, and be a part of, stories that have the potential to change lives for the better. Acting has also given me the courage to speak up and stand up for myself and others. I want to take all of the injustices that I have witnessed and expose them through what I feel I am best at, performance and storytelling.
What inspired you to pursue acting? What were the challenges you overcame in this?
When I was born the doctor told my father, "I'm sorry, it's a girl". From the moment I was born, I (like every other female) was already a minority. I was treated like less than all the men around me. Living in a man's world ignited in me a passion to fight for women's rights and stop at nothing to make sure all women around the world are treated equally as men. After being told I couldn't be a soccer player because I would never be as good as a man I turned to theatre and dance. Luckily for me, I quite enjoyed performing... and the rest is history!
Being a woman in this industry I still face challenges every day but things are finally changing! I am so proud to be in an industry filled with such empowering, intelligent, courageous, and talented women who are paving the way for generations to come.
What’s been the most rewarding part of being an artist for you? Do you have any advice for future actors?
The most rewarding part is touching people’s lives and being able to connect with strangers. It really makes you realize just how connected we all are.
My advice is to keep going even if you feel like all the doors you are knocking on aren’t opening, even if everyone around you doesn’t believe in you, even if you have failed a billion and one times. Just keep going because eventually one of those doors will open and your opportunity will be there. I don’t believe in “luck”. I think that hardcore + opportunity = your chance.
Instagram: @Natalienasr
Thank you for your continuous support and love,
Lots of love,
#Team IVA