Nava Mau stars in the HBO Max series _Generation_ as Ana, an aunt who has found herself filling the role of mother due to unexpected family circumstances. Mau is a trans Latina filmmaker, actress, and cultural worker whose recent work includes writing, producing, directing, and starring in the compelling and moving short film _Waking Hour_, which premiered at LA’s Outfest Fusion in 2019 before playing at festivals around the world. A production fellow on Sam Feder’s groundbreaking Netflix documentary _Disclosure_, Nava has also produced the short films _Sam’s Town_ and _Lovebites_.
Outside of her work in the film industry Mau has worked for 8 years in the fields of cultural change and political education. Her professional background includes anti-violence and healing justice work, working with marginalized people in order to assist and their access to certain resources. First working as a legal assistant with immigrant survivors and later as a peer counselor and advocate for LGBTQ survivors, Mau continues her work in cultural and community work. _Flaunt_ sat down with Mau to discuss _Generation_, her directing and producing side, and her cultural work.
**You were a film production fellow on the film _Disclosure_. Can you talk me through what that experience was like and what that meant to you?**
When I worked on the set of _Disclosure_, I had only ever been on my own short film set and another independent short film set at a nail salon in Oakland. Shoutout to Nana Duffuor and her project called _Sprint_! When I got to LA for the _Disclosure_ fellowship, I was so lucky to learn what a production of that magnitude can be like, surrounded by queer and trans people. I worked in the G&E department and learned all about how a set functions. From Sam Feder, the director of _Disclosure_, and from everyone else working on the set, I learned about what it means to bring patience, humility, and grace to the process of creating in collaboration. Beyond the lessons in filmmaking, I was blessed with the opportunity to watch entire days of interviews with trans actors who have fought for decades through uncharted territory to create a path for themselves and for others. I carry with me the wisdom of these actors’ stories and reflections. Witnessing all these interviews on the set of _Disclosure_ gave me the courage and inspiration to believe that I could pursue acting as a path for myself.
**With shows like _Generation_ and _Euphoria_, we are seeing more diversity, not just in the cast, but in the stories that are being represented. Does that make you excited for the future or the direction we are heading?**
I think we’ve seen barriers broken down that up until recently felt impossible to overcome, so it is very exciting to think about what may be possible sooner than we think. The potential for storytelling on screen feels like it has burst wide open. I’ve seen so many things this year that I absolutely loved, like _I May Destroy You_ and _Veneno_. It feels like we are getting to witness each other’s humanity in ways that are more intimate and complex than ever before.
**What was it about _Generation_ that made you sign on?**
It was palpable even in the pilot script that the relationship between Ana and Greta is special. They really need each other, and I don’t think either of them quite knew that before they were thrown into this new dynamic, with Ana playing a parental role she would not have chosen for herself. Greta’s mom, Ana’s sister, is deported and Ana comes to take care of Greta, who is just beginning to discover her queer identity. Ana learns about the power of responsibility. She does her best, and I would say it turns out her best is pretty good for these kids. What I didn’t know was that I really needed Ana. She shows me what it means to be abundantly giving and unafraid, even in the face of a judgmental world.
**In the show, Greta is struggling with her identity, and Ana acts as her biggest cheerleader. What was it like playing a guardian figure who supports the idea of being your true self?**
Ana leads by example. I think we have all imagined who we could be if we just weren’t afraid to be. Ana is that vision realized. She is not afraid! That fearlessness turns out to be crucial for Greta to witness. Sometimes you just need someone to give you permission to try something new. We still live in a world where queerness is considered taboo in many families. It can make a lifetime of difference for a queer teen to see that it is possible for them to live freely, unabashedly, and joyously.
**Do you have any advice for young trans artists today?**
Ten years ago, it didn’t even occur to me to pursue acting professionally. It just wasn’t an option. I was a genderqueer, very hairy nerd with no path in the entertainment industry. There was no path. I majored in linguistics, and I pursued other passions. Then the world changed, and I changed. Laverne Cox appeared on _Orange Is the New Black_, and countless other trans artists created a new reality both on and off-screen. It’s wild to think that all of this has happened in the past 8 years. There’s no question that we will continue to see massive changes in the opportunities available to trans artists. We have to keep fighting for them. My advice to young trans artists is this: be smart, be selective, and tell the truth. Never stop telling the truth.
**How has your cultural work, such as legal assistance, counseling, and curriculum development, shaped the way you approach your filmmaking and acting?**
I am so lucky that the bulk of my work thus far has existed in the realms of community and social justice. A pivotal component of my experience was working with survivors of violence in multiple capacities. I learned so much in the counseling room, one on one with people striving to hold onto that little voice inside that says, “You deserve to live.” My understanding of violence is that it conditions so many of our institutions and social structures. This means that it’s important to understand the root causes of violence. I carry with me an understanding of the frameworks of anti-criminalization, intersecting oppressions, and healing justice. Violence is meant to impede people from living, and we all deserve to live. My intention in filmmaking and acting is to tell stories about people who dare to live, with authenticity and self-determination as the ultimate guides.
When it came to playing Ana, it felt important to seek dignity and truth in my performance. When I lived in the Bay, I was lucky to know this group of trans Latina immigrant women. I will never forget their tenacity and courage in facing a hostile world. Their spirit, unapologetic expression, and collective heart have stayed with me. Despite all the rejection a character like Ana has faced, she showers her world with laughter and flair. I hope that in Ana, people can recognize the triumph of living boldly in your truth. When the world tells you lies about yourself every single day, there is nothing more powerful than the courage to shout even louder that you deserve life, again and again.
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Photographed by [Hector Clark](http://www.instagram.com/hector__clark)
Styling: [Monty Jackson](https://instagram.com/mrmontyjackson?utm_medium=copy_link)
Makeup: [Shannon Pezzetta](https://instagram.com/shannonpezzetta?utm_medium=copy_link)
Hair: [Sami Knight](https://instagram.com/samiknighthair?utm_medium=copy_link)
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