Meet the Filmmaker Miriam Joanna
Born and raised in Austria, Miriam Joanna established herself as a freelance visual artist in 2016 and has been working in the extreme sports scene ever since. Living in Hawaii for some time, her career as a freelance photographer originated in the surf industry. Miriam eventually transitioned into capturing mountain sports and nowadays mostly wind-related water sports. Feeling the urge to express herself beyond the power of stills, she recently dove straight into the world of filming with her first short film Sensation, which was nominated and shown at several Surf Film Festivals in Europe and won 2 film awards. Since then, she has directed, filmed and produced another short film, LENNI. Her published work can be seen in numerous kiteboarding and paragliding magazines, Blue Tomato Summer Book 2022 and WMN Surfmag. She is the director of “The Art of Adapting” which is screening at this year’s festival.
Where did you grow up and where do you call home now?
I was born and raised in Austria. I truly embraced the world of water sports during my graduation trip to Indonesia in 2015. Over the past 8 years, I've been traveling and residing mainly in coastal regions due to work reasons.
How did you get started in the surf film industry?
My journey into the creative world of surf filmmaking began while I was living in Hawaii for a few years. Initially, I focused on capturing still images, but I always felt a desire to convey my creativity beyond the limitations of photographs. In 2021, I took a leap of faith and decided to venture into the realm of filming. Partnering with kitesurfer Catharina Edin, I embarked on my first kite surf film titled "Sensation," which was shot in South Africa. The unexpected success of its release encouraged me to continue, and shortly after, I directed a portrait surf film set in the Canaries.
What’s different about directing a surf film than a more mainstream film?
In contrast to working with actors whose performances can be “controlled”, in the surf film industry, collaborating with athletes and their unique personalities adds a distinct layer of complexity. Moreover, the constant variability of natural elements presents a dynamic challenge that can make each project highly unpredictable. Navigating through these factors demands a strong reliance on both your creative vision and the unfolding process, as you adapt to the given circumstances and strive to create something remarkable.
What inspired you to make The Art of Adapting?
The inspiration for "The Art of Adapting" stemmed from a message I received from Gabi shortly after the new year. She proposed a road trip to collaborate on a new episode titled "write your own chapter" for her primary sponsor, ION. Drawing from her previous road trip experience and her connection with the skilled drone pilot Jaimen Hudson, the project was set in motion. One of the central motivations behind the film was to shift the narrative by portraying female athletes as accomplished individuals, transcending any preconceived notions based on background or gender. Additionally, I was intrigued by the prospect of revealing the behind-the-scenes aspects of those of us who capture the scenes you witness. The film also resonated with the theme of adaptation, both in terms of the diverse life circumstances or situations faced by the athletes, as well as the shared experiences they had in their connection with the ocean. This common thread ultimately tied the various elements of the film together.
How did you come to meet the surfers in the film?
My initial encounter with Gabi occurred around 7 years ago through a fortunate coincidence during a wakeboard photoshoot in Austria. As I delved deeper into the realm of kitesurfing in 2019, our connection grew stronger. She consistently urged me to visit her in Western Australia, and although I initially believed she was joking, it turns out she was quite serious! Gabi ranks among the top 10 kitesurfers globally, showcasing an extraordinary level of skill and proficiency in her craft.
What do you hope the audience takes away from the film?
My aspiration is for the audience to be both inspired and moved by the diverse life narratives presented in the film. Witnessing the unique paths individuals chart and the varied ways they navigate through life's challenges is not only enlightening but also beautiful. As Jaimen aptly expresses, "life is not easy for anyone," and the film underscores the fact that our responses and actions shape our experiences. Ultimately, I hope the audience recognizes the power within each individual to craft their own meaningful journey.
Jaimen speaks about droning giving him a way to experience places he can’t walk to or experience. Do you enjoy using drones or leave it to Jaimen?
I do find enjoyment in operating drones and I was responsible for capturing a significant portion of the B-roll footage myself. However, collaborating with Jaimen was a valuable experience. Working together allowed us to capture shots from various angles, enriching the visual narrative, and fostering a creative exchange on set. Jaimen's wealth of experience brought an extra dimension to the project, often exceeding what I had envisioned. He once shared that certain moments of flying a drone evoke the same sensations he recalls from riding waves while surfing. For those familiar with the sport, the power of that sensation is well-known. It's remarkable how such distinct circumstances can evoke similar emotions, offering a chance to relive those feelings in entirely different settings.
Have you found any newer film technology that allows people who may be differently abled to still create?
Certainly, the realm of film technology has seen significant advancements that can empower individuals with diverse abilities to contribute creatively. What's crucial is the willingness to explore these options, regardless of one's life circumstances. A colleague and friend of mine discovered a way to operate the camera shutter using a remote controlled by his mouth. The remarkable progress in technology has rendered possibilities virtually limitless. However, it's important to acknowledge that our own mindset can often be the greatest barrier. As Jaimen mentioned, he took a chance and decided to try, with the understanding that he could sell the drone if it didn't work out. This mindset of experimentation and perseverance is invaluable, showcasing that the human spirit's determination can often overcome any technological limitations.
Where can we learn more about your work?
You can explore Amanda's work at her website or on Instagram.
