Ask the Director: Hanna Mathis

You are from a small city, 7hrs away from Vienna. Do you think there is a difference between working as a director in a small city vs. working in a city like Vienna, or even bigger cities? Do possibilities increase in cities or do you need more creativity in smaller towns?

Bigger cities hold more opportunities, job wise, education wise and networking wise. But I also appreciate the support and the smaller network of my home country Vorarlberg – there is a lot of potential in the region. I want to keep embracing the bridge between Vienna and Vorarlberg since my roots make me stronger in what I do. It is an important cycle – people giving their origin back what their new skills have taught them, to initiate growth and change.  

What can you take from your journalism classes into the way you make films?

Definitely how important it is to do proper research with valid sources. Also the exercise of conducting interviews and talk to different people, on the phone or in real life. Probably also my love for docu

mentaries. 

How do you start your creative process and what tools do you use?

I start with looking around, listening, talking to people, and using different online platforms or media, as well as news outlets. It’s a difficult time to stay creative, as people are closed of from other people, outside stimuli and stories. So if I want to be creative now, I browse through online platforms, read books or magazines, collect thoughts and sometimes talk with friends about them. Most importantly, you need to take your time for a creative process. For me it also helps if I do fun stuff in between or try out new things, even if they are small – when I feel more alive, I feel more creative. ☺ 

Where do you, as a young emerging artist, see the future of filmmaking?

In cooperation, authenticity and transcending genres.

I believe that now more than ever it is essential to work together and support each other to make films that not only we want to make but rather people really want to see. Authenticity plays a vital role, to not only make stuff that looks cool and is hyped right now but to tell original stories. And transcending genres, mixing fictional with documentary, music videos with commercials, using media campaigns and different film and media platforms, is something that is already happening. 

Any specific role models? Or artists you follow?

I am a big fan of Alma Har'el. She is a fantastic filmmaker, who creates very imaginative genre-redefining documentaries, fictional films and commercials. She also launched the initiative Free the Work, a global talent discovery service for women and underrepresented creators – worth a follow on instagram: @freethework

Tips for aspiring filmmakers?

It’s a journey that is absolutely worth starting – but every journey has it’s ups and downs, challenges, and takes time. So don’t be afraid to ask for help or support of other filmmakers. Most importantly, always be nice and respectful to your team. Stay flexible and grateful. ☺

Favourite films?

– Mr. Nobody by Jaco Van Dormael – Beasts of the southern wild by Benh Zeitlin – Jojo Rabbit by Taika WaititiKai – Love True by Alma Har'el – Minding the gap by Bing Liu – Euphoria by Sam Levinson

Spirit animal? 

A Panda. Loves to hug and play and is still quite badass.