Meet HANNAH IGNACIO | Director & Director of Photography

We had the good fortune of connecting with HANNAH IGNACIO and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi HANNAH, can you tell us more about your background and the role it’s played in shaping who you are today?
Hi! I’m Hannah Ignacio, a Filipino-American cinematographer and director from the northwest suburbs of Chicago. From a young age, creating stop motion-animations, skits, and music videos were avenues to express my creativity. As I progressed through middle school, high school, and college, I delved deeper into narrative filmmaking, as a director and director of photography, often exploring themes such as mental health, grief, family, and identity.

Growing up, I didn’t see many other Asian-Americans in my town, which made it difficult for me to fully embrace my identity. Despite the lack of representation in mainstream media, I was drawn to the screen, hoping to find characters who reflected my cultural background. Unfortunately, these portrayals often fell short, relying on stereotypes rather than authentic experiences.

Navigating through school had its challenges, from facing comments about my ethnicity to feeling the pressure of stereotypical expectations. Even in settings like Sunday school, I often stood out as the only person of color in the room.

These experiences have fueled my passion for storytelling. Through my work as a filmmaker, I strive to amplify the voices of underrepresented communities, creating stories that are both unique and inclusive. My goal is to shine a light on narratives that are too often neglected in mainstream media, particularly those of Asian-Americans, including Filipino-Americans.

Inspired by my upbringing, I am creating an upcoming short film titled “Sugar, Sorry.” This film explores universal themes such as family dynamics, American beauty standards, discrimination, and unconditional love, while also delving into the nuances of Filipino-American identity. It’s a deeply personal project, and I can’t wait to share it with the world.

By staying true to myself and embracing my cultural roots, I hope to inspire others to do the same, and to help foster a more inclusive and diverse creative industry for future generations.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I first began creating stop motion animations and fun skits on YouTube when I was seven, featuring my American Girl dolls. Without even realizing, my stories circled around concepts like being an outcast, sacrifice, and friendships. This hobby started my fascination for world-building. I made mini homes, props, and clothing for these dolls, using whatever resources I had to bring my stories to life -– including the use of Harry Potter paperbacks as a tripod!

Whether working independently or with a large team, I’ve created numerous short films, cultivating a deep appreciation for every aspect of filmmaking, both in front of and behind the camera. Despite the challenges of limited resources, these processes fuel my creativity and problem solving skills, knowing that imagination coupled with determination can overcome any obstacle.

While creating a film independently teaches a lot about self-reliance and the power of persistence, collaboration holds a special place in my heart, and there’s nothing quite like the experience of working with a team!

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I’m profoundly grateful for my creative partner, Michael. As director and director of photography, our collaboration flows seamlessly. Michael’s resourcefulness, meticulous attention to detail, and strength as a storyteller are incredibly inspiring. His support and shared passion have not only propelled our collaborative journey, but also made it immensely fulfilling. I appreciate the support we offer each other, which motivates our dreams yet challenges our philosophies.

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hannah.ignacio/

Other: https://linktr.ee/hannahignacio_

Image Credits
Michael Merlino, Henry Vaughn, George Hysmith, Amelia Comer