Banati (translated to My Girls) is an audiovisual exploration of emotional labor and the complexities of familial relationships. Presented in the format of a "Day in My Life" video, the project reimagines this popular online genre through a deeply personal and abstract lens. By layering voice notes from my mother, grandmother, and sister over footage of my daily activities, the work reflects the constant interplay between personal moments and the emotional echoes of family connections. The audio transitions from harmonious to dissonant, capturing the multifaceted nature of these relationships—moments of love, humor, tension, and support. This project became a precursor to my thesis, which further delves into intergenerational female roles and ancestral connections.

Concept and Inspiration
In today’s digital landscape, "Day in My Life" videos often present an idealized view of daily routines. With Banati, I wanted to challenge that narrative by showcasing the invisible emotional labor that permeates a day. The project is deeply inspired by the women in my family, whose voices—through laughter, prayers, anger, and song—shape my sense of self and daily experience. This work serves as an abstract representation of how these emotional threads are woven into my day, sometimes amplifying its joy and other times adding friction or complexity.

Video Context
Key moments in the video include a morning filled with warm greetings and updates from family, followed by a chaotic moment at the deli, where information overload mirrors the constant demands of emotional labor. In the deli, laughter erupts at the sight of a cat, capturing a rare moment of shared joy. Contrastingly, during class and while working, family voices become tense and angry, underscoring the friction between personal tasks and emotional expectations. The subway ride offers a brief moment of stillness, accompanied by my grandmother’s song, while the day concludes with my mother’s prayers during cooking—signifying self-care and intention.

Reflections and Development
Banati was an exploration of how the voices of the women in my life continue to resonate, shaping my day in visible and invisible ways. It was a deeply emotional project to create, highlighting both the beauty and the complexity of these intergenerational connections. This work inspired my ongoing thesis, where I am expanding on these themes of ancestral connections and intergenerational female roles. The thesis will build on the foundation laid by Banati, diving deeper into the ways these relationships shape identity, memory, and cultural legacy.