INTERVIEW: 'Becoming' Dir. Nadia Hallgren
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“If you're willing to commit everything you have… the rewards will be greater than anything you could have ever dreamed.” - Nadia Hallgren“Commit to the LORD whatever you do, and he will establish your plans.” - Proverbs 16:3 Commit means to carry into action deliberately and Nadia Hallgren has been deliberately working for years. With over 60 credits under her belt, Hallgren has worked as a cinematographer, camera operator, producer, director and production assistant. All of this has led her to her most recent film, Becoming, a Netflix documentary that chronicles former First Lady Michelle Obama’s book tour for her best-selling memoir of the same name. Hallgren’s career is an obvious testament to what happens when you stay committed, we loved the jewels that she dropped in this interview - and we hope you do too. Enjoy!
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1. Becoming is your first feature, how has the work that you have done with other directors prepared you for how you directed this film?
Before directing Becoming I had spent the last 15 years working as a cinematographer. I was very lucky to have worked with some of the most talented and thoughtful directors in the documentary field. They range from filmmakers like Roger Ross Williams, Ramona S. Diaz, Tia Lessin and Carl Deal, Julia Riechert and Steve Bognar, Joe Berlinger and Dawn Porter. I learned something different from all of them, I learned how each of them leaned into the strengths of their personalities to build relationships with the individuals they were making films about, as well as their collaborators. I learned how absolutely tireless you have to be when making a film, I also learned the importance of curiosity, having fun and enjoying what you do.
2. What was the easiest part of creating this documentary?
The easiest part of making this film was having such a rich story in Mrs. Obama’s life, hers is a singular experience, no one else has or ever will be the first black First Lady of the United States. Plus, all the wonderful qualities she brings to the table, including a great sense of humor.
3. What was the hardest part of creating this documentary?
The hardest part of creating this film was in some ways the same thing that made it easy. Mrs. Obama’s position as a historical First Lady, the responsibility of helping to tell her story, knowing I had to get it right. Having all these amazing things unfold in front of me, I asked myself everyday, how can I make an audience feel the way I’m feeling right now? If I couldn’t achieve that level of emotion, I would have failed myself. The high stakes always felt high.
4. Favorite film and why?
I grew up in the 80’s so my favorite films will always be the kid classics from back then, The Goonies, Indiana Jones, Star Wars, The Never Ending Story, Karate Kid -- those films sparked my imagination, they had a transcendent quality that I needed, the mythical storytelling and unlikely main characters always drew me in.
5. What is a primary piece of advice you would give to aspiring filmmakers?
The primary piece of advice I would give to aspiring filmmakers is this: in your pursuit of filmmaking there will be tremendous obstacles, almost every day you will consider quitting. It gets that hard. But if you're willing to commit everything you have, you will get through and the rewards will be greater than anything you could have ever dreamed.
Isn’t she dope? We look forward to seeing what is next from Hallgren and her film Becoming is now streaming worldwide on Netflix - check it out!
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