Filmmaker Statement

Stronger was made as part of Ghetto Film School's (GFS) 2022 international thesis project shot in Iceland. Every year, students in the program fly to a different country to make a film on location. Stronger is a film all about the underdog. As I undertook this ambitious project, I walked around saying, "I really get Hilda," or "I know what it's like to be in her shoes." It wasn't until I spent years bringing this film together that I truly empathized with her. I gained so much experience with Stronger. Hilda lets no adversity stop her from reaching her goals. When this project was difficult, I remembered Hilda's determination and persevered. It's so cheesy, but Hilda is a character I want people to see themselves in, even if they're not teenagers trying to become the strongest person in the world. I hope they watch Stronger and appreciate all the hard work they have put into achieving their own goals. Hilda and Company are a beautiful group whose story is short and bittersweet.