Start:ME Spotlight:

Mohua Thakurta

Organization

Independent Producer/Consultant

You are a master storyteller. What is your favorite piece of advice to business owners trying to tell a good story?

My advise would be make your story personal .Audience responds to emotion and feelings . Show us you care.
Three things that make a good
1. What is your personal connection? Why do you care?
2. What is the purpose of your story.
3.Share with us your achievements and your failure.

Clarkston has lots of immigrant entrepreneurs. How has being a new-American yourself helped you mentor immigrant-owned businesses?

"I am a brand new American for sure. I got my citizenship in 2018. I have been in this country since 2001. I have seen a lot of changes over the years as the face of America has changed in every possible way. Being an immigrant first and business owner second I can relate to new Americans trials and tribulations and their joys and excitements. I know how visa situations can get murky. Initial years are lonely. Language is a very small part of the problem but even your daily activities can be quite nerve racking. My first few years were rough I remember I tried so hard to fit in but never really feeling at home . My story is every immigrant business owners story. So when I meet my immigrant entrepreneurs - There is an immediate bonding. There is a sense of security knowing that we both share the same story. We know that we don't have to fit in."

You are involved in a cool movie project involving Clarkston. Can you share a little bit about the project?

This is the premise of the fil is really interesting: "in the wake of personal loss and trauma, three refugees and a former Klansman seek to re-establish their identity in a nation struggling with an identity crisis of its own. CLARKSTON: Mother of Exiles follows the intimate journey of these unlikely companions connected by the most diverse square mile in America - Clarkston, GA."

I am an assistant Director on the film. Its a super cool project in many ways- We need a film like this in the current political scenario. A country deeply divided on multiple fronts. The film will not solve problems but will raise a lot of questions that we need to confront. I have met some amazing people through this process. Its currently in post production . We had some challenges and lots of eye opening moments through .