An Interview with Natasha Hawthornthwaite

Natasha Hawthornthwaite is a filmmaker co-founder of Northern Heart Films. Currently based in the North-West of England, she is behind films such as Joy Uncensored and the upcoming Finding ‘Appiness. After honing her craft over the years, Natasha has developed into a filmmaker with an eye for moving scripts and a keen eye for the human condition. Due to her successes, she is part of this years’ BFI Weekender - a weekend dedicated to celebrating the best working-class talent in filmmaking today, In this interview, she talks to us about her latest filmmaking ventures and delves into the realities of being a contemporary filmmaker from a working-class background.

Congratulations on being a part of BFI Weekender this year! What does it mean to you to be part of this event? 

Thank you so much. Honestly, I couldn't believe it when I found out I was selected. It really was the best news I’d had in a long time. Living in a small Northern town, I sometimes feel isolated from the industry - especially with lockdown -  so getting selected on the programme, meeting other filmmakers and hearing from industry professionals helped me feel connected in the industry again. Being part of the event gave me a real boost I needed to get myself back out there. 

Following on from the BFI Weekender’s aim to showcase working-class creatives like yourself, did you encounter any challenges when entering into the film industry as a working-class individual? 

Absolutely. Access to finance is the most difficult thing. When I left university in 2014 I wanted to move to London or at least a city like Bristol or Manchester but I was broke, so I had to move back in with my mum and work in a factory until I got back on my feet. I still live in a small Northern town and being away from the city definitely makes things more difficult. However, I enjoy being away from the city. A lot of my inspiration comes from being in and amongst working class towns. 

From short film Joy Uncensored. Credit to Natasha Hawthornthwaite.

If so, what do you think would have made it easier for you to enter the industry?

The industry could make it easier by listening and reaching out to filmmakers from working-class backgrounds. I feel a lot of the great industry talks, screenings and networking events happen in the cities - which again makes it less accessible from people from working-class backgrounds. It would be great to see the industry coming to small working-class towns and celebrating those filmmakers locally. 

In 2016, you set up film company Northern Heart Films. What motivated you to start your own company? 

I just love making documentaries and I love being part of the whole process. I felt like it was the only way to do things the way I wanted. Luckily my friend, Scott Bradley had the same idea and we set Northern Heart Films up together. I’m a self-shooting director and I edit most of my work too. I like being involved in every part of the production process and have a really flexible and empathetic way of working.

You mention that you’re drawn to telling stories about identity, belonging and self-discovery. What is it about these concepts that make you want to present them on screen? 

Ever since film school I’ve been drawn to stories of identity and self-discovery. I guess looking back now I was exploring those themes as a way of encouraging myself to be more comfortable with myself. I spent most of my life hiding my sexuality. Now that I’ve accepted who I am, I am drawn to unique characters and stories that evolve around identity and self discovery.

Still from short film The Road to Happiness. Credit to Natasha Hawthornthwaite.

In 2020, you were awarded funds for your latest film, Finding ‘Appiness. Can you tell us some more about this film? 

Yes, of course. I am so honoured to be awarded funds for my latest short Finding ‘Appiness. The film is a portrait of colourful eccentric fashionista Allan Bradbury which uncovers how he became his true colourful self. He’s a trained counsellor and is passionate about helping people become their true selves. Whilst filming with Allan it actually had a really profound effect on me and learning from him helped me learn more about myself. This film was the catalyst that helped me come to terms with my sexuality. I’m keen to share Allan’s story to help other people find their inner ‘appiness and be more comfortable with who they are. 

Finally, what other projects are you keen to work towards over the next few years of your career? 

I’m keen to work towards a series of short documentaries centred around the theme of self-expression at an older age, as well as telling more LGBTQ+ stories. I would also love to make a longer-form documentary for TV, - that would be a real dream. I also love the North, for me, it’s rich with characters and I’m keen to make more documentaries in and around the North that paints a more celebratory, positive picture of the North.

Where to find Natasha:

Northern Heart Films website - www.northernheartfilms.co.uk

Twitter - @NatashaH_Film

Interview by Susanna Demelas