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Anna Franquesa-Solano | Cinematographer

Anna Franquesa-Solano | Cinematographer

It was a home movie that motivated Anna Franquesa Solano to pursue filmmaking. Growing up in Barcelona, Anna studied Art History at University. When a friend suggested they make a short film for fun it opened a possibility she had not previously considered and her passion for filmmaking awakened. Anna’s early work was mostly silent film, but she wanted to tell stories visually which drove her to study cinematography. This newfound love prompted her to move to New York to attend the New York Film Academy’s Conservatory Cinematography Program. Since working as a camera operator on the film short, “I Don’t Like Cinnamon, “which won a Jury Prize at the 100 Hour Film Race, Anna has worked continuously on commercials, film shorts, documentaries, and feature films.

“The Farewell” is Anna’s Breakthrough project. Lulu Wang’s introspective feature film about a Chinese family that holds a wedding to disguise the truth of their grandmother’s looming death reveals the complexities of family. Shot mostly in China, she and her crew worked in an environment where they did not speak the language and the locales were unfamiliar, but Anna enjoys getting out of her comfort zone to embrace the challenge. Her command of natural light, respect for the authentic interiors, and perspective of story connects the moments of the family effortlessly and with honesty from scene to scene.

As a BAFTA Breakthrough, Anna hopes through the program she can connect with a community of fellow filmmakers of similar interests and points of view.