Jassa joined director Mo Ali (Shank, Montana) and National Youth Film Festival award-winning filmmaker Agi K at the International Youth Arts Festival in Kingston yesterday for a Q&A panel entitled: What would you tell your younger self about entering into the creative industry?
The event kicked off with a screening of My Little Sister (who happens to have Down’s Syndrome) by Agi K, followed by the Q&A. The panel discussed the importance of focusing on craft, quality and career longevity rather than seeking short term recognition, a major risk in the age of social media.
Jassa also stressed the value of not relinquishing power, as well as recognising that genuine industry influencers "want you to be awesome…it makes their job easier”.
“Whether you’re an actor, singer, dancer, whatever…during your audition the role is yours, the mic is yours, the stage is yours. Own it. Don't seek approval. I spent a long time trying to figure out what people wanted rather than simply doing what I wanted to do. As soon as I changed my approach I got Some Girls." - Jassa
The International Youth Arts Festival (IYAF) is one of the largest and most diverse youth events in the world. Each year, over 19,000 young people are involved, nearly 5,000 artists perform in 350 events over 18 venues.