Graduation winter 2021 - Erna Soffia Einarsdottir, Acting
Erna Soffía Einarsdóttir will graduate from Directing and Production on December 18th with her film "The next chapter" that she made with Hannes Einar Einarsson from Creative Technology.
"The next chapter" is about a young woman who lives a rather simple uneventful life but is talked into going on the town to meet her best friend and her acquaintances. There she meets a man who seems to be the whole package. He is polite, funny and handsome - could he be "the one"?
On this occasion, we got to ask Erna Soffia a few questions
What is the first cinematic experience you remember?
My first experience is absolutely the film “Annie” (1982). I probably watched a hundred times when I was 5 years old, 1985. I think my grandfather bought the tape from the video rental in the end because I did not want to let it go, it completely enchanted me. The colors, the acting, the songs and costumes were a great favorite. “Annie” moved me without me understanding a single word. Then when I was 6 years old we moved to New York and I learnt english at my primary school in Long Island, Dad then noticed that “Annie” was being shown on television and asked if I wanted to see it again, and of course I said yes. That was the first time that I cried over a movie, because I finally understood the story. Those were good times and I still watch “Annie” every few years.
What fascinates you about film making?
What fascinates me the most ábout film making is how you can tell a story that provokes feelings in others and even enables them to see other sides to disasters, adventures or others misfortunes. Some films move you to the point that you change your way of thinking, and I think that is amazing.
Why did you choose your department?
I chose Directing and Producing for many reasons. Directing is something I have always been interested in. Human nature, individual differences is something I ponder a lot and have read up on. I went from Computer programming to Psychology at the university before I entered The Film School. I find psychology very interesting and it is an asset in directing. And then I chose producing because of previous works where I was an executive and had organisational skills and Excel knowledge already that are also an asset in producing films. Truth be told, after these two years I could easily imagine studying in any of the departments the school offers, but my department was always the best fit.
Anything that surprised you?
Yes it surprised me that film making just made sense to me. I learned a lot in class, but most of all I learned on sets with 4th semester students. I fell into the jackpot right from the first semester where I got to both produce a graduation film and be 1st and 2nd AD in two others. I gained a lot from the knowledge of those who were graduating and it came in handy when I did my own project. Not to mention having met future work partners, which is actually the most valuable thing I take with me.
And how does the future look?
The future is bright. The greatest dream is and must always be to direct. I am applying for a grant from IFC for the next short film I want to make. But until the dream becomes a reality, I have received some offers to work in production for both Icelandic and foreign projects, and it is exciting.
