Hannah Peterson is a writer and director. Filmmaker Magazine named her one of the “25 New Faces of Independent Film.” Her work has screened at Sundance Film Festival, MoMA, REDCAT, Tribeca Film Festival, and Slamdance Film Festival where she was awarded the AGBO fellowship for her short film, East of the River.
She holds an MFA in Film Directing from California Institute of the Arts (CalArts) and a BA in Screen Studies from the New School. Prior to her work as a director, Hannah mentored under filmmakers Sean Baker and Chloé Zhao.
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The Graduates
A year after her boyfriend dies from gun violence, a young woman prepares to graduate high school as she navigates an uncertain future alongside a community that is searching for ways to heal.
Executive Produced by Chloé Zhao. Featuring Mina Sundwall, Alex Hibbert, John Cho, Yasmeen Fletcher, Ewan Manley, Maria Dizzia, and Kelly O’Sullivan. The Graduates premiered at Tribeca Festival in 2023 where it was awarded Best Cinematography in U.S. Narrative. Its European premiere will be at the 2023 Deauville American Film Festival.
Champ
After basketball practice one night, Genevieve reveals a dark secret to her teammates about their coach. Wielding her strategy and grit off the court, Genevieve works together with her teammates to find a way to retaliate.
Starring Eva Noblezada, Champ was made with the support of the Tribeca Film Institute Through Her Lens award and premiered at Sundance Film Festival in 2022. It was selected as a Vimeo Staff Pick and was featured on Short of the Week.
East of the River
Teonna is unexpectedly suspended from school and is faced with a day on the streets of Washington, DC. Teonna encounters Malik, who is also out of school, and Sara, who left school because she saw more economic opportunity on the streets. The three set out for an adventure that takes them east of the Anacostia River.
East of the River premiered at Slamdance Film Festival in 2019 where it was awarded the AGBO fellowship.
Shook
The scripted single-camera show centers on 15-year-old Mia, who yearns to dance professionally but is hindered by daily obligations to her family. Mia begins to express her true self through dance with the support of her extroverted best friend, Fredgy, and a new mentor, Ritz, who introduces her to the world of street dance.
Starring Sofia Wylie and produced by the Duplass Brothers. Shook was nominated for an Emmy for Outstanding Young Adult Program.
Daughter
A short film made in collaboration with Lexus & Elle Magazine. When Nadia sees that her daughter, Momi, has drawn a scene on her tablet, she decides to do something that only she can—bring her daughter’s imagination to life. It’s here that they discover something magical together.
The full film was featured on Elle.com
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