LWA #4: The Social Impact Filmmaker- Andrés Bronnimann
Andrés Bronnimann on film-making, entrepreneurship and the creative life.
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In this episode of Learn with Avthar, I speak with one of the most multi-hyphenated people I've ever met. Not only is he a Swiss-Mexican-Costa Rican filmmaker, but he's also a creative, writer and entrepreneur. He's none other than my good friend, Andrés Bronnimann.
I was excited to invite Andrés onto the podcast to celebrate the release of his first feature-length documentary entitled, "The Universality of It All". The film focuses on the topics of human migration, climate change and social inequality, and blurs the boundaries between film and documentary. I was also curious about what he learned from making the film, as well as his creative and entrepreneurial processes he picked up as an independent filmmaker with 30+ productions in 25+ countries.
I learned so much about the themes of his film, as well as the behind-the-scenes trials and tribulations that come the hefty endeavor that is making a documentary. We also dug into the inner experience of being a creative, discussing the importance of authenticity, gratitude, and perspective in our work. I know you're going to walk away from the episode with so many gems to revisit!
Andrés Bronnimann filming a scene for “The Universality of It All”
Who is Andrés Bronnimann?
Andrés Bronnimann was raised in Costa Rica, by a Swiss father and Mexican mother. He's a graduate of United World College Costa Rica and was a Davis Scholar at Ringling College of Art and Design, in Florida, USA, where he earned a degree in film and business.
Andrés' filmmaking portfolio is as diverse as his personal background, having worked for both social causes and large brands looking for an edgier media profile. His clients have ranged from Red Bull and Land Rover, to Projects for Peace. While pursuing freelance projects for other organizations, he also helped start an independent ad-agency, 'BE Latinoamérica', where he was CEO.
Throughout his film career, he has traveled to more than 30 countries, creating music videos, web series and commercials for numerous brands, artists and organizations. Andrés has worn many hats in the film production pipeline, having been a producer, writer, manager and creative. "The Universality of it All" is his debut film, nearly two years in the making, where he was the only crew member.
Andrés in action filming
Episode Contents
Andrés' Hero's Journey about how he became a filmmaker
The tragic backstory and inspiration behind "The Universality of It All"
How your life is a film, with you as both director and main character
The importance of patience and perseverance as an independent filmmaker
The financial and emotional hardships that came with filming, producing, and promoting an independent film
The business of creative endeavors: How to find your audience and serve unmet needs
Avoiding the rabbit hole of research
Connecting macro and micro world issues
Respecting the ugly side of life
The intangible value of authenticity and gratitude
How can we measure the social impact of media?
Connect with Andrés Bronnimann
The poster for Andrés' Bronnimann’s debut film, “The Universality of It All”
Listen Now
🎧 Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Google Podcasts | Online
Episode Highlights
I've also pulled the best highlights from the podcast for you to listen to here:
1. How this documentary filmmaker uses art to create social impact
Living and moving between cities and continents, Andrés Bronnimann is as "international" as an international filmmaker gets. Andrés produced and filmed material in over 25 countries for clients ranging from Red Bull to Projects for Peace. He aims to bring a social impact edge to his creative delivery.
In this clip, Andrés discusses his personal connection to his latest documentary, "The Universality of It All", which centers on the immigration difficulties faced by one of his best friends from university. He explores their touching friendship in the film within the wider context of the international refugee crisis, climate change, political turmoil, and their interconnectedness.
2. Film-making as a vehicle for learning
Our projects guide us toward things we seek to discover, as well as things we never imagined we needed to know. Realizing how little we actually know is one of the most daunting and exhilarating parts of the learning process.
In this clip, guest Andrés Bronnimann shows us how much he learned about migration, economics, and climate change through working on his latest documentary, "The Universality of It All". He discusses the folly of the research rabbit hole, the valuable opportunity to alter our opinions in light of new information, as well as his newfound appreciation for Nicaraguan history.
Andrés' Bronnimann: A Personal Shot
3. The need for non-ideological, data-driven policy
In a world where politics seems to gets more and more divisive each year, the need for objectivity and honest debate has never been clearer.
In this clip, Avthar and guest Andrés Bronniman discuss the importance of decision-making that emphasizes practicality and fact over appealing to the fashionable ideological position. Our intuition should be guided by our sense of truth rather than our political group of choice.
4. Independent filmmakers are entrepreneurs by necessity
Yes, the starving artist narrative is getting old. However, it doesn't make it any less true. Let Andrés Bronniman, a Costa Rican filmmaker, tell you about the financial and emotional struggles he faced on the way to developing and releasing his latest feature film, "The Universality of It All".
5. Choosing authenticity over conformity and stability
The comfort zone is a dangerous place for us homo sapiens. As the world suffers from the consequences of conformity and groupthink, the value of entrepreneurial and creative endeavors are becoming starkly clear. We can either innovate or perish.
In this clip, Andrés Bronniman and Avthar connect over their mutual struggles and sense of meaning in committing to their own ventures rather than the beaten path of the 9-5.
Andrés' Bronnimann’s lighter side
6. The value of having a plan B
Many successful people feel that their achievements can be attributed to their work ethic and uncompromising commitment to their plan A. However, how often do we hear from those that didn't succeed in achieving their initial dreams?
In this clip, Avthar and Andrés Bronniman discuss the value of having a backup plan in order to reduce anxiety and allow a healthy distance between your self-worth and your success as an entrepreneur. It is easier to go all in and commit your full self to something when you know that failure is not going to be the end of the world.
7. Why gratitude matters in the age of comparison
We've all been told to be grateful when we've complained about the food on offer at the dining table. However, how often do we voluntarily take the time to feel grateful for what we do have?
Avthar and guest Andrés Bronniman discuss the importance of shifting your perspective in order to see your life and environment from a place of gratitude. "Comparison is the thief of joy" and "the grass is greener on the other side"— we have heard these phrases a million times, but for good reason. Let these two remind you of the value of gratitude using lessons from their own entrepreneurial and artistic endeavors.
8. Coping with self-doubt in the creative process
With any project, company, or piece of art, it is an incredible challenge to untangle your self-worth from what you've produced and the success it has achieved. Why would someone endeavor to do something that makes them feel more vulnerable than ever?
In this clip, guest Andrés Bronniman openly discusses his personal challenges with the creative process— self-doubt, comparison, and loneliness. It's an inside look at the creative's journey and the vulnerability that independent pursuits produce.
9. Andrés Bronniman's creative philosophy
Every creative has a unique perspective. It's the framework through which they perceive and act to bring their artistic vision into reality. With a clear underlying understanding of how they see the world, their art becomes clearer to themselves and others.
In this clip, Andrés makes insightful observations about the entrepreneurship of creativity, purpose-driven creation the critical role of marketing in the digital age, as well as the importance of finding your audience.
