Three Quick Cut questions with BEA, SERIOUSLY filmmaker Hanna Gray Organschi. BEA, SERIOUSLY screens Friday, October 1 at the NYNL 2021 Summit.

Interview by Iris Chan

1. In your film, Bea, Seriously, Bea goes to her mother's house in the country in order to face a life-changing question. In the relationship between the mother and daughter, the mother looks to give space to her daughter, letting her figure out what she really wants to do, but guides her along in the meantime. How do you think Bea's relationship with her mother helps to affect her ultimate decision?

Bea's mother makes space for her to express her uncertainty about who she is and what she's up to. Both irked and empowered by her mother's steely calm, Bea is ultimately able to steady her inner turbulence to get to what she feels.

2. What were your inspirations for this film? With such a touching coming-of-age story, why did you want to tell this one? Do you have any specific filmmakers in mind that inspire you, for this film, and also in general?

I don't really feel like I knew much of anything in my teens, which is the age often treated in coming-of-age stories. I write character-driven narratives about women coming of age at all ages because as far as I can tell, the journey to individuate never stops. Everyone's always coming of age, right? I'd like to help destigmatize feelings of confusion about body and purpose for young women.

3. What do you want audiences to take with them after seeing your short film? How would you want young women trying to find their way in the world to feel?

I hope that any young woman who sees this film feels encouraged to look closely at and prioritize her feelings. My life is messy and I've found it's better not to hide the mess, least of all from myself.