Letting It Rip with Hanna Beširević

Hanna Beširević's creative journey is a tapestry of her diverse upbringing and unwavering passion for visual storytelling. Born in Sarajevo and raised in Norway, she found herself drawn to the streets of Paris at the age of 18, where she embarked on a quest to capture the essence of life through the lens of her camera.

For over a decade, Paris served as both muse and canvas for Hanna's endeavours. With meticulous attention to detail, she crafted a portfolio that mesmerized audiences with its depth and beauty. Her photographic works found homes in venues such as Milk Gallery in New York, while her editorial features graced the pages of publications like Harper’s Bazaar, cementing her status as a force to be reckoned with in the world of visual arts.

Hanna's creative endeavours extended beyond photography, as she seamlessly transitioned into filmmaking, infusing her projects with a unique blend of storytelling and visual flair. Her collaborations with some of the most iconic names in fashion and luxury, including Dior, Christian Louboutin Beauté, and L'Oréal, speak volumes about her ability to translate imagination into reality.

With each project, Hanna continues to push the boundaries of her craft, exploring new avenues of expression and leaving a mark on the world of photography and film. Her journey is a testament to the power of vision and the transformative potential of art.

In the latest instalment of this interview series, the team at Let It Rip Pictures chat to director Hanna Beširević to discuss food, travel and surfing

PORTFOLIO: Hanna Beširević

LOCATION: Portugal / International

REP: Let it Rip Pictures / USA

CLIENTS: Armani, MAC, Dior, Christian Louboutin Beauté, Louis Vuitton, Garnier, Magnum, Dom Perignon

SKILLS: Beauty, Emotional Storytelling, Stylized spots, Choreographed Movements

LBB> Hi Hanna, you lived and have roots in so many places, what’s the place you feel like you belong in the most?

Hanna> This one's tough. Growing up in as a diaspora, finding home felt like chasing scattered pieces of myself. But since becoming a mom, home has become wherever my daughter is. And right now, it's Portugal.

LBB> What’s your favourite food-related memory?

Hanna> Mexico. It blew open my mind, tantalised my taste buds, and painted my palate with experiences I'd never imagined. The flavours, the colours - unlike anything I've ever known.

LBB> Share with us your guilty pleasure. And a sport you’d like to be good at.

Hanna> Living in Portugal, my fantasy self is a surfer girl - I even dress the part. But truth be told, I don't surf. My guilty pleasure? Looking through apartments I can't afford. Lame, I know.

LBB> If you’d need to pick where you draw your inspiration from - based on the last three questions - would it be places, foods or guilty pleasures?

Hanna> People and places clearly: gateways to mind-blowing lessons and experiences that reshape you entirely.

LBB> Which Let It Rip overseas office would be your first location pick to shoot at?

Hanna> Honestly I want to go anywhere with you guys.

LBB> Is there a commercial you'd like to develop into a movie?

Hannah> I would love to delve deeper into a commercial I did years back, addressing women's insecurities and the relentless pressure of beauty standards in our world. I've always wanted to continue that conversation. It was called 'Your Factor' by Max Factor.

LBB> Can you name a project that changed the course of your career, in an unexpected way?

Hanna> Out of the blue, you approached me for a short film, and before I knew it, I was diving into fiction and shooting two seasons of a TV series. Total game changer.

LBB> How do you collaborate with actors in order to get the best emotions out?

Hanna> Make time for play and spontaneity, and listen to their thoughts on the script. 

LBB> What drew you to fashion or emotional storytelling in the first place?

Hanna> I've always been drawn to capturing intangible elements - like a fleeting movement or a subtle emotion. Fashion provides the perfect canvas for exploring these nuances.

LBB> Dream client?

Hanna> Not a too stressed client :)

LBB> Shooting on 35MM film - love it or hate it?

Hanna> Love

LBB> What’s your take on AI?

Hanna> I don’t know enough. I've used it to help me write and that’s been sometimes hilarious but also helpful.

LBB> What is your advice to producers in order to keep our film sets more eco friendly?

Hanna> Great question! Is there a way we could incorporate more renewable energy to power our equipment? And then there's the issue of reducing plastic usage. Additionally, we should consider sharing transportation more often; too many times, I find myself driving in a large van solo. More fun with others always.