At the International Film Festival Rotterdam, actors Victoria Pedretti and Hanna van Vliet shared powerful insights into artistic integrity and systemic change in the entertainment industry.
Pedretti, famous for her roles in Netflix’s supernatural series “The Haunting of Hill House” and “The Haunting of Bly Manor,” spoke candidly about her early career challenges. “Two months after graduating, I was thrilled just to be working as an actor,” she revealed, acknowledging her initial uncertainties about future opportunities.
Van Vliet, creator and star of “Anne+”, brought attention to the critical importance of diverse representation in media. “I discovered how art can truly make an impact,” she said, emphasizing how storytelling can provide visibility for marginalized experiences.
Both artists critically examined industry structures while maintaining hope for meaningful transformation. Pedretti explained that creating change requires strategic understanding, noting the need to “know the system in order to challenge it.” Van Vliet demonstrated this approach through “Anne+”, a project that leveraged limited resources to achieve creative independence.
The conversation highlighted their commitment to nuanced character portrayals. “People are complex,” Pedretti stressed, expressing her desire to avoid character stereotypes. Van Vliet echoed this sentiment, sharing how her project was more than a professional milestone—it represented a personal journey of self-acceptance.
Their dialogue at Rotterdam reflected a generational approach to filmmaking: collaborative, intentional, and focused on meaningful representation. By sharing their experiences, Pedretti and Van Vliet illustrated the power of authentic storytelling in driving social change.
