Cornelia Hanes, the acclaimed Stockholm-born actor, writer, and producer, recently released her comedy short film 'Anaconda' on Omeleto, YouTube's premier platform for award-winning films. The film stands out not only for its storytelling but also for being crafted by a predominantly female film team, including the writer, director, producer, composer, and editor.
'Anaconda' is a comedic exploration of life's imperfections through the eyes of Annie, a single woman in Los Angeles. The film unfolds as Annie joins a group of new friends on a trip to Burning Man, leading to an unexpected and embarrassing situation in a shared hotel room in Reno. This incident, ripe with comedic twists, forces Annie to confront a decision that could define her life.
The inspiration for 'Anaconda' came from a true and personal story. Cornelia Hanes felt that sharing this humorous take on an embarrassing and awkward event could bring laughter to other women. She recognized the difference in how men and women share these experiences and the stigma attached to them for women. By challenging that stigma, she wanted to break down barriers and show that embracing these moments with a laugh is perfectly okay.
Cornelia Hanes is committed to bringing diverse female voices and perspectives to the forefront in the filmmaking industry. She believes in challenging societal pressures on women to pursue unattainable perfection. 'Anaconda' mirrors her philosophy by emphasizing the acceptance of imperfections and the beauty in embracing our humanity.
Hanes originally started her career in front of the camera but decided to write, produce, and direct her own project when she grew tired of waiting for the 'right' roles. This transition allowed her to gain a different understanding of the craft and what goes on behind the scenes.
As an indie filmmaker, Hanes faced challenges in budgeting, especially for post-production and festival submissions. However, she approached these hurdles as opportunities for learning and growth. Having an open mind and giving herself grace throughout the process allowed her to enjoy it, even during the challenging times.
The decision to assemble a female crew for 'Anaconda' was important to Hanes because women are underrepresented in filmmaking. A female-driven crew brought a different, often more collaborative and calm energy to the set, which was crucial under the high-pressure environment of filmmaking. It was crucial for Hanes that the crew understood the story she wanted to tell and brought extensive experience to the table.
Producing and financing a film as a first-time filmmaker was daunting for Hanes. Overcoming imposter syndrome and asking for funding for her creative vision was a hurdle she had to face. However, using platforms like Seed & Spark and having clear communication about her vision helped her garner support. It reinforced the importance of preparation and being clear about why you're doing what you're doing.
Hanes encourages aspiring filmmakers to jump in and start, taking daily steps towards their goals. Waiting for permission is unnecessary – following your vision is more important. She also advises embracing the messy process and not striving for perfection, as that is both a creativity killer and an illusion.
'Anaconda' has performed exceptionally well on the film festival circuit, which was initially intimidating for Hanes. However, the experience turned out to be incredibly rewarding. Hearing the audience laugh at what she wrote made all the hard work worth it. Hanes values film festivals not only for exposure but also for building community and opportunities for collaboration with other filmmakers.
Securing distribution for a short film like 'Anaconda' is not easy, but having it streaming on Omeleto is a dream come true for Hanes. The film's message of self-acceptance and radical honesty resonated with the platform, along with the multiple awards and nominations it garnered.
As for the future, Hanes is currently writing her next short film and her first pilot. Additionally, she hopes to play a badass Viking on a streaming show this year, which would be a thrilling experience for her.
In conclusion, Cornelia Hanes' comedy short film 'Anaconda' brings laughter and a celebration of imperfections to the audience. As a filmmaker, Hanes is dedicated to championing diverse female voices and breaking down societal pressures on women. Her journey from actor to filmmaker showcases the importance of taking initiative and embracing the messy but magical process of creating art. With the success of 'Anaconda' and future projects in the pipeline, Hanes is poised for further achievements in the industry.
