Young Guns 21: Amir Hamja
By Alixandra Rutnik and Brett McKenzie on Nov 01, 2023
Get to know the phenomenal class of Young Guns 21
After 85 incredible finalists and intense deliberation, the Young Guns jury has narrowed it down to the 29 winners that make up the class of Young Guns 21. An astounding collection of animators, illustrators, film directors, typographers (a few Ascenders 2023 winners as well!), graphic designers, and photographers make up YG21.
Every year we interview the Young Guns winners to get to know them better as artists and people. And as always, we are welcoming another class of outstanding individuals into the highly coveted Young Guns community.
Now that you know the YG21 winners better, we hope you’ll join us in celebrating them in person at NYC’s Sony Hall on Wednesday, November 15, 2023, at 6:30 PM. See you in two weeks and get ready to party!
AMIR HAMJA
PHOTOGRAPHER
Based:
New York, NY
Hometown:
Chittagong, Bangladesh
What were your original impressions of the Young Guns competition, the award, and the community?
I've learned about it through following past winners' work. It's a great pool of talented individuals from different branches of creativity all under one roof.
"It's a great pool of talented individuals from different branches of creativity all under one roof."
How did you end up in the creative field anyways?
I was watching lot of international movies in 2011-2012. And one day I suddenly decided that I will be filmmaker, and that's when I started photography.
Congrats on the W! Why did you decide to enter this year?
It's my first time entering. And yes, this is my last eligible year before I turn 30. One of the previous winners nominated me to submit.
You only get to submit six projects that embody you and your talent. The best of the very best. So, how did you decide which pieces were good enough to make the cut?
There are so many projects I worked on, so it's hard to decide which one is my favorite. For this portfolio I selected the pieces I really enjoyed working on and that relate to art and culture or biographical stories.
What was your reaction when you discovered that you won?
It feels good to be appreciated for your work. I am definitely grateful to know that I am considered to be one of the winners.
In what ways does your current city inspire your creativity as an artist?
New York City is always happening. It always keeps you moving faster and at the edge to push you to do better. I am definitely inspired by other creative individuals who are doing phenomenal work in this city.
Now that you’re a part of the Young Guns community, are there any past winners you look up to and admire?
I really love Sean Wang (YG19), Saad Moosajeee (YG18), JOYCE N. HO (YG17), and Farhad Ghaderi (YG19).
Name a creative and professional dream project that you have yet to fulfill — maybe Young Guns will propel you in that direction!
I would be happy to work with any film director on a short film or movie.
This is YG21, but what do you imagine you’ll be up to when YG31 rolls around in 2033?
I definitely want to be better at what I do, and well known for my craft.
Will we see you at the YG21 party in NYC in November?
Yes!
Come party with us and celebrate all the Young Guns 21 winners on Wednesday, November 15 at Sony Hall! See you at 6:30 PM in NYC!
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