Hanna Gray Organschi
“ON YOUR RADAR” IS A WEEKLY GRAD FILM NEWS SEGMENT THAT FEATURES A STUDENT PICKED AT RANDOM.
HANNA IS CURRENTLY A 3RD YEAR STUDENT AT GRAD FILM. WE ASKED HER A FEW QUESTIONS, AND HERE’S WHAT SHE HAD TO SAY:
Where do you consider home and what is it like there?
New Haven is where I conquered musical theater (as Annie's notable orphan friend Duffy), practiced ice hockey daily for 15 years (still wondering why), was hypnotized by The O.C. (Seth Cohen 4ever), learned how to parallel park (5 star review good), and had my first kiss (electric, for me not him). New Haven was my childhood, so it will always feel like home. But New York is where I’ve spent the last almost decade figuring out who I am. It’s supported me through low lows and high highs, which is pretty nice of it. So NYC is home now too.
What is currently inspiring you as a filmmaker?
Strangers! There are so many strangers I missed meeting because we’ve been inside for the better part of the last two years. I feel like I’m playing catch up to meet my stranger quota.
And Aimee Mann. “I’m With Stupid” plays on repeat in my apartment. And Louise Bourgeois. Particularly her Femme Maison series. The women in her work remind me of my grandmothers. And Florine Stettheimer. I would have loved the opportunity to stalk her and buy her a drink. And My So Called Life. Teenagers have so much going on even when there’s nothing going on. It’s amazing. Plus the style. Single-strap overalls, velcro chain wallets, heavily frosted tips, terry cloth wristbands…
What has been your most rewarding experience at NYU Tisch Grad Film so far?
Learning from and collaborating with artists whose creative potential knows no bounds. I feel lucky. And deeply grateful.
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