Young Guns 22: MAÏLIS

Awards

Young Guns 22: MAÏLIS

Oct 30, 2024

Presenting the kick ass class of Young Guns 22

Presenting the kick ass class of Young Guns 22

It’s a kick-ass class. Young Guns 22 is topping the charts in creativity. But are you even surprised? Of course, not. If you’re new here, let me catch you up. Young Guns is a community of incredibly talented individuals – think amazing cinematographers, animators, illustrators, photographers, designers, and directors – and a new class of winners is chosen by an expert jury every year. This year we have 33 winners and among them, we have some very new, very exciting titles to unveil – an Architectural Designer, Composer, Stage & Show Designer, and Colorist.

We interviewed the winners so we could share their prowess with you. And if you’re a NYC local you can snag a ticket to the official YG22 Party at Sony Hall on Wednesday, November 13, 2024, where you will have the chance to meet and greet them.

Young Guns continue to dominate the creative industry, so we’re happily presenting you with the kick-ass class of Young Guns 22.

MAÏLIS
Director

Based:

Montreal, Canada

Hometown:

Maple Grove

SEE MAÏLIS’ ENTRY

What were your original impressions of the Young Guns competition, award, and community?

I can’t pinpoint exactly when I first learned about Young Guns, but I’ve been following the competition for a while now because many directors I admire have won it. To me, Young Guns has always felt like the creative industry’s version of Forbes 30 Under 30 (that’s how I explained it to my parents at least).

How did you end up in the creative field anyways?

My path into filmmaking has been anything but conventional, marked by a series of serendipitous moments and no baby steps - very aries of me! Originally, I pursued a degree in psychology, driven by a fascination for the human mind and behavior. I stumbled into the world of filmmaking almost by accident, drawn in by the opportunity to tell stories about the human experience. From the moment I stepped onto a film set, I was captivated by every aspect of the process. The collaborative energy, the creative challenges, and the power of visual storytelling all resonated deeply with me. Each project, no matter how small, has contributed to my growth and deepened my love for the craft. The absence of a traditional, step-by-step path has allowed me to embrace the chaos and unpredictability of my journey. Without rigid expectations, I have been free to explore different roles, experiment with various styles, and take creative risks. This approach has led to a diverse body of work that reflects my always evolving vision.

Congrats on the YG win! Why did you decide to enter this year?

I decided to enter this year because, honestly, I’m really proud of my recent projects. They truly reflect the direction I’m aiming for in the future, and I figured it was about time to let the world see them — so why not shoot my shot with Young Guns?

You only get to submit six projects that embody you and your talent. So, how did you decide which pieces were good enough to make the cut?

I choose very intuitively, only submitting the projects I really fuck with, because they represent something meaningful to me on an emotional level, that’s it.

“I choose very intuitively, only submitting the projects I really fuck with, because they represent something meaningful to me on an emotional level, that’s it.”

What was your reaction when you discovered that you won?

When I saw an email from the YG team in my inbox, my first thought was that it was to inform me there’d been a mistake and that I was no longer a finalist, like it was meant for another Maïlis and not me. I even comforted myself, thinking, Well, “I’m 28, so I still have two more chances.” Then I opened the email, saw the amazing news, and laughed-jumped-screamed!

How does your current home inspire your creativity as an artist?

For inspiration, I usually seek out places in the city where there are no screens. I’ll head to my favorite Italian café, the park nearby, or a small bar, and simply watch people live their lives. The best characters emerge in these everyday spaces. I just listen, observe, and let the stories unfold around me. I’m deeply inspired by the incredible women around me who are making shit happen - I love it! There’s still a need to create more space for women in our industry, and I can’t wait for the day I’m surrounded by feminine energy at every step of a project.

Now that you’re a part of the Young Guns community, are there any past winners you look up to and admire?

I have so much respect and admiration for all the previous Young Guns winners who’ve found their voice. Having confidence in your craft and your unique perspective on the world can be both terrifying and empowering. It’s a special thing to witness.

If you could create a new Young Guns tradition, what would you want it to be and why?

Ask me again after the ceremony, and I’ll make sure to share all my ideas — though I’m pretty confident food will be involved!

Name a dream project that you have yet to fulfill — maybe Young Guns will propel you in that direction!

I’m full of dreams to fulfill and ideas to turn into reality! While I have yet to make a fiction short film or feature, I’ve been cooking... I’m eager to find the perfect/crazy producers to help bring my vision to life sooner rather than later. I’m also keen on collaborating with artists and brands that respect a director’s craft and creative vision. I really feel inspired to do a music video for an electronic or classical artist at the moment. My list of dream collaborations is endless, but you can find names like, Nike, Ikea, Ama Lou, Bakar, Lululemon, Shygirl, Armando Young, Adidas, Hope Tala, Volvo, Expedia, Rosalia, and Glossier...