In conversation with Aline Harjani
1. Introduce yourself
My name is Aline Harjani, I've got a one-year-old named Leo. I have been working in feature films for over 15 years now, mostly in Transport and Production. I am now trying to shift to a more project-based role, especially programmes dedicated to training, bringing returners back to the industry, mental health... you know, anything that tries to make our industry a better place to work.
2. What is your job title?
Depends on the moment in my career you ask me. I'm a freelance production manager, a transport coordinator, a business advisor...
But right now, I am Head of Operations here at Cinemamas.
3. Who looks after the kids when you are working?
My son attends a lovely nursery that is 10 minutes away from our house, we are very fortunate. In the afternoons, if I have to continue working, my mother and sister are always keen on spending time with him.
4. How long did you take off work after having your baby?
I have been completely off for his first year. I've been very lucky and had a great support system to allow me to have this time with my son. Now, at 13 months, I have just completed the EAN's Return to Work Programme (shoutout to my amazing cohort and the wonderful Rebecca Baker and Anna Skrein!). I am now looking for work.
5. Would you say that you have a good work/life balance?
Well, I have only done one job since having my kid, producing a short film, which was very good as I had a good understanding with the director and knew the project back to front for a long time prior to shooting, so I could do the work in my own time. I have done some business advising for creatives on the side, which has also been in my own time.
6. Are you job sharing or working flexibly?
Well, Valeria, would you say that we job-share in Cinemamas? I think we do. This project has been fully remote and a two woman-job (except for the full year that I've been away and my dear friend and colleague has done amazing things with this platform). So I would call this a really good job-sharing experience.
7. What do you think is the hardest part of being a working in media/film/tv industry and being a parent?
This was, honestly, my biggest concern about becoming a mother and working in our industry and the reason why I got involved in Cinemamas in the first place. I was totally terrified about the idea of having a kid and wondered if it was best not to. In the end, and partly thanks to everyone who shared their stories and advice through Cinemamas, I decided that I wanted a family and if everyone else had done it, so could I.
The hardest part, at least for me so far, is feeling guilty about the amount of time I may be away from my child if I go back to the way I used to work before. I want to be a present mother, and I now know that my previous way of working isn't compatible with that. But now I have learned so much about other opportunities in the industry, and ways of working (call it job share, flex work or just different capacities) that excite me and can keep me working in the industry I love.
I don't want to forget mentioning the toll on physical and mental health. Parenting is hard and finding time for ourselves is central to trying to stay sane.
8. What are your tips for any other women out there wanting to have kids and keep a career in film?
Find your tribe, share your fears, doubts and questions. For many years, I just kept them to myself and once I opened up and started to realise that I wasn't alone, a whole new perspective and optimism came over me. Join communities, ask for help and inform yourself. There are other ways of getting things done. Also, be kind to yourself and think that right now there is a huge need for crew, which means that employers are more likely to talk about alternative work conditions.
9. Any advice for anyone about to return to work after maternity?
Well, as I mentioned earlier, I've just finished the EAN's Return to Work programme. If you have a chance. and need some support, sign up for this or alternative programmes out there. There are a lot of very competent people willing to give you a hand and get you started again. Also, I've taken this from Chika Anisiobi's interview: make a list of your non-negotiables. I think that having written down what are your absolute must-haves or needs will help you (and me) in any interview process and to figure out if a job is right for you.
10. What advice did you wish someone had given you?
You are going to have to compromise, at times, at that's ok. You may have to take a step back, and that is also ok. Find whatever makes you happy and go for it. Make a plan and then toss it out the window, kids get sick, jobs fall apart, but as long as you are centered on what you need or want, things will happen. And sometimes you will not have a clear answer to what is it that you need, or want - and that’s also ok.
Just because you care, you are a good parent. You are good enough.