To say Reeth Mazumder-Roberts was productive during her time at Yorkville University would be an understatement.
This year’s 2023 Bachelor of Creative Arts valedictorian developed five different projects over the course of her studies at YU – a sitcom, a documentary series, a sci-fi drama, and two feature films.
“Right now, I am in a very authentic stage of my career,” said Mazumder-Roberts, a screenwriter, director, producer and documentarian who previously graduated from the Writing for Film & Television program at Yorkville’s affiliate, Toronto Film School.
“My voice is being heard as a writer-director, and I have multiple projects in either the development stage or the post-production stage. I know it sounds like a lot, but that’s just the way my brain works.”
When Reeth looks back on what she’s taking away from the BCA program, she points to her increased confidence in being able to pitch herself to studios as both a director and producer.
“As an Indo-Canadian, BIPOC woman filmmaker, I will make my place in the North American film and television industry with ethics, love, and passion for storytelling,” she said.
Mazumder-Roberts recently sat down to reflect on her time at Yorkville University and her plans for the future. Here’s what she had to say:
What brought you to Yorkville University? Where were you in your life/career when you decided to continue your studies with us?
What brought me to Yorkville University was my urge to learn more. I knew that earning my degree in the Arts would qualify me for higher positions in a network or a studio, and I’m also a strong believer in personal growth. I compete with myself and no one else – that’s been my attitude throughout my life.
Right now, I am in a very authentic stage of my career. My voice is being heard as a writer-director, and I have multiple projects in either the development stage or the post-production stage – including a 90-minute documentary film, a docuseries, a sitcom, a sci-fi series, two war features and a novel. I know it sounds like a lot, but that’s just the way my brain works.
What made you decide to pursue your Bachelor of Creative Arts?
For me, the Bachelor of Creative Arts program just seemed like it was something valuable I could do for myself. And now, after completing the program, I would say that’s 200 per cent true. I’ve always been inclined towards the arts, but now I also know the business side behind multiple artistic genres. It’s opened up a whole new world for me.
What is the most important thing you’re taking away from your time at Yorkville University?
I’m taking with me lots of good education and an everlasting respect for the educators I learned from. Yorkville University’s professors are all very distinguished faculty, I must say. I developed five projects during my time at Yorkville, each of which is either being made or is now in its funding stage. I strongly believe it is up to us, the students, to decide what we take from what is being taught to us.
What are your plans after graduation, both immediate and long term?
Immediately after graduating, I will be directing two feature films, titled Hello Dear Traveller and A Conversation Through Time. In the longer term, I want to work in the North American television industry.
If you offered one piece of advice to an incoming student, what would that be?
I would tell incoming Bachelor of Creative Arts students that their time at Yorkville University is another opportunity – take it and plan it well, because only you can create your own story.
