Audra Hamlin: Czech Film & Black Humor

Audra Hamlin is a filmmaker.

A graduate of Mount Holyoke College in Massachusetts, Audra is spending the current Spring semester 2023 at the Academy of Performing Arts in Prague, where she studies cinematography and film. Audra fell in love with making videos as a child. She now continues to fulfill her childhood dreams as a student at the legendary FAMU [Film and TV School] - "one of the top film schools in Europe known as the Hollywood of Europe for its innovative film making past..." In Audra's opinion, "Czech films are full of black humor which is reflective of the humor here, and it makes me more aware of how we use where we are from and how we go about saying something." The Benjamin A. Gilman International Scholarship Program is one of the U.S. State Department scholarship programs; it enables students of limited financial means to study or intern abroad in order to provide them with skills critical to U.S. national security and economic prosperity.

This interview is the 23rd part of our Fulbright series to celebrate 30 years of the Fulbright Program in the Czech Republic. Interviews are conducted in cooperation with Ladislav Loukota from  Vědátor platform. Video recordings of all the live interviews are published on our Facebook page on the first Wednesday of every month, and are available on our YouTube channel. On Fridays, we offer a written version of the interview on our blog. 

What inspired you to study filmmaking?
I was inspired to study film making because I wanted to pursue a childhood love of making videos and the joy of creating itself. I think we should look forward to the things we do and love every day. I think filmmaking allows you to open yourself up to new possibilities with each project and the learning potential is uncapped. I love how many different elements there are to the technical craft, topic genres to explore, and the joy of a collaborative process and daily problem solving. I think the cultural value and impact of film is underrated and the industry of film circulation is underlooked.

Why did you choose the Czech Republic for your stay? And how did you find out about this possibility?
I was connected to FAMU & CIEE by my home college in Massachusetts. The Czech Republic is home to FAMU, one of the top film schools in Europe and is known as the Hollywood of Europe for its innovative film making past and modern artists still working such as Barrandov studios. The Czech Republic also has an intriguing historical past and today connects multiple cultures.

Photo: During an early-morning walk across the Charles Bridge in Prague, Spring 2023. 
 
What differences have you noticed between studying film in the USA versus studying it in a foreign country?
There are many small differences between film studies in the USA and in Europe; besides different metrics there are also different expectations for differing roles on the film set. It is interesting to learn about how the process, rules, and laws for film making in Europe differ from the US.

Photo: Audra explores Prague, early Spring 2023. 

What challenges have you faced as a foreign student in the Czech Republic, and how have you overcome them?
I have faced challenges such as learning to navigate a new language, adjusting to different daily living habits such as buying food and navigating the transportation systems. I have also had to adjust to the teaching style of foreign professors and their teaching styles and cultural expectations. I think the best way I have managed to overcome these challenges is by taking the immediate immersion experience one day-one step at a time. Focus on your most immediate needs, such as orienting yourself to your community and school, and then once you are settled you can learn and explore the culture and surrounding area and peoples deeper.

Photo: With friends and fellow filmmaking students at FAMU, Spring 2023. 

What aspects of the local culture or film industry in the CR have most influenced your approach to filmmaking?
I have always been very interested in independent filmmaking and documentary style filmmaking. Since coming to the CR I have seen how collaborative the studios can become and I think I would be interested in further exploring how film is made and distributed in the CR. I am also more interested in noticing the cultural exports within various cultures' film content. For example, Czech films are full of black humor which is reflective of the humor here, it makes me more aware of how we use where we are from and how we go about saying something.

How do you think studying in a foreign country will impact your future career as a filmmaker?
Since coming to the Czech Republic I have seen how much more powerful film is as a political tool and emotional catharsis for a country itself. I think studying in a foreign country has given me a more global perspective on story, and now, I really just want to tell the big important ones that can move mass audiences.

Photo: Exploring Prague, view at the Old Town Square, Spring 2023. 

What are some of the most important things you've learned about filmmaking while studying in a foreign country?
Studying in FAMU I have learned a lot more about the methods and styles of filmmaking and why and how specific choices are made. While studying we learned to shoot on 16mm film and this changes the dynamic of a film shot entirely as shooting on film is so much more delicate, and expensive, so you have less takes and have to be more meticulous and risky with each directorial approach as the probability of failure rises. The risk raises the stakes and makes it more fun though.

Lastly, is there something about film you think everyone should know, but you think it is not well known yet?
Nothing specifically comes to mind, but filmmaking is hard work and it takes grit. Film is like a song, it has a rhythm and expectations, and beats and can be an incredibly powerful motivator and provide hope and teach lessons. It is an invaluable resource to humanity as a means of expression and mutual understanding. Something interesting is that most countries have finite budgets in which to support the arts; some common ones are the BBC, and PBS, but government and public support for funding is in general decline. Diverse stories are what change our perspectives the most and we must continue to support film as an art. Filmmaking is becoming cheaper to make and distribute on the big networks, but there are lots of little independent gems out there if you look in the right places or attend film festivals, you can find the best crew- to hire at film festivals - it is a great community.

Photo: Audra in front on the Prague Astronomical Clock, Spring 2023.