Check Out Anna Buksowicz’s Story

Today we’d like to introduce you to Anna Buksowicz.

Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
I’d like to say I was a filmmaker from early on – I started making films when I was about nine years old; I used my American Girl Dolls as actors and edited dramatic skits. I started engaging in the world of narrative storytelling before that, filling my notebooks with short stories about my dreams and stuffed animals. I loved to daydream – I still do.

Since then, I still write drama and coming of age stories, but I can confidently say that like myself, my work has drastically matured.

Really, my filmmaking journey started in my last year of university in Montreal, where I was completing a Bachelor of Commerce at McGill University. Deciding to minor in World Cinemas reconnected me with my love for cinema, and then I joined TVM, a sort of ‘film club’, and submitted a script for what ended up being my debut short film “Lucy”. It circled around festivals and got a few nominations, including Best Canadian Short Film and Best Performance in Leading Role (Sofia Masson) and Supporting Role (Jeanne Chen) at UWPG Film Festival.

Summer after graduating I had an incredible opportunity to work with Watchout Studio on “Prime Time”, which premiered at Sundance 2022. I got to see a big production, a feature film set! I never felt more like myself than I have while shooting Prime Time. I knew then that filmmaking was my path, and I will do anything in my power to be on set again.

So, I applied for a filmmaking Master’s degree program in Los Angeles, and have been working 24/7 to expand my network and – most importantly – tell stories that truly move an audience and make a cultural impact.

We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Definitely not. Filmmaking is constant problem-solving on how to tell a story, how to raise money for it, and make sure people want to see it.

I must say, I had a magical opportunity with “Prime Time” – having worked on a few short films in university to working on a feature film in the span of a few months is not a privilege most people get. With “Lucy”, my university covered most of the film’s budget, including locations, craft services and equipment. It was actually the first short produced by the film club, so I feel proud that “Lucy” motivated more student filmmaking at McGill.

I think my biggest challenge came from fear of following a creative career – I was always scared of being unsuccessful, or not good enough, and I wish I had started earlier. I think as someone who works in a creative field, unless they work in the same sphere, people will always question what you do. It’s complicated to grasp how this industry works, how it makes money, how it builds networks, how it contributes to society. It’s not a typical job. There’s no path to becoming a film director as there is to a doctor or business consultant.

My next short film, my Master’s Thesis titled “Butterfly Boy” actually discusses these struggles in more detail. Set in 2004, it tells the daring story of flamboyant Leon who challenges his Polish immigrant Father to pursue his dream in musical theater. Speaking of challenges, I’m actually looking for funding right now, you can support the creation of this film through our GoFundMe, and I’m accepting promotional inquiries through my Instagram.

Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I’m a film writer/director. I’m inspired by interpersonal, neo-realistic, coming-of-age drama films that empower marginalized voices and portray strong female characters. I like simple stories with complex characters. I like films that make me feel like I am part of the film’s world through building a detailed cinematic environment. I always thought of myself as someone observant, who feels the significance of small details, and I think my work reflects that approach.

Over the last few months, I have also started to work as a director of photography and production designer – two elements I deeply value in a film, and by developing a portfolio for these elements, I’ve learnt a lot about filmmaking as a whole. I recently worked as a production designer on Evie Abat’s new short film, “Dad’s Gone Wild”, and DP’d two music videos!

Right now, I’m focused on my Thesis Film shooting in April (inquiries / sponsorship open through my Instagram!). I also have a few short films and advertisements that I’m producing and production designing, but I can’t share too many details on those yet.

So, before we go, how can our readers or others connect or collaborate with you? How can they support you?
I am always open to DM’s on my Instagram. I think social media in general is a great tool for networking and finding like-minded souls. I usually have my phone nearby so if you want to reach out, please find me there!

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.imdb.com/name/nm12615287/?ref_=tt_ov_dr
• Instagram: @annabuksowicz
• Facebook: https://www.gofundme.com/f/butterfly-boy-mfa-thesis-film
• Linkedin: https://ca.linkedin.com/in/anna-buksowicz?original_referer=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.google.com%2F
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCn6sl79Jgoo3UloRgKcfHdw
• Other: https://vimeo.com/user124236211 

Image Credits
Photography credits to: Pranav Mehta