Tackling Gaslighting: A Conversation with Your Reality’s Tatjana Anders

After moving in with her charming photographer boyfriend a successful PR manager is in danger of losing everything, as she becomes increasingly unsure of her ability to trust her own memory.

Tatjana Anders is a successful actress and writer, best known for Blood and Bones, The Children Act and Murder in Slow Motion.

As a filmmaker Tatjana writes and produces projects on subjects she is passionate about. She is particularly fascinated with the human psychology, relationships, manipulation and the concept of reality.

Her latest short film “Your Reality” is psychological thriller on the topic of gaslighting, which she is currently raising funds for on Indiegogo.

In our interview, Tatjana tells The Fan Carpet’s Marc Jason Ali about working on the creative side, making her Directorial Debut and creating a film based around the hard hitting subject of Gaslighting…

If we go back to the beginning, was there a defining moment for you to get into the Film Industry?

I’ve always been drawn to the creative side. Since my childhood I would always sing, dance or act – sometimes at the same time.

However, its only in the recent years that I’ve decided to take the film business seriously, taking acting classes as well as writing and producing my own films.

You’re gearing up for Your Reality, a film you wrote, what can you tell us about your character and where you fit into the story?

“Your Reality” is a psychological short film on gaslighting – a type of mental abuse, that makes you doubt your own perception of reality.

I’m playing a character called Alicia, a successful PR manager whose world is about to turn upside down, when she moves in with her charming photographer boyfriend Mark.

Luckily, I’ve never been gaslighted myself, but I know a lot of people who have. That’s why it’s really important to me, that this film raises awareness about the destructive consequences this powerful mental and emotional abuse can have on it’s victims and to help them recognise its signs early on.

We’re actually launching an Indiegogo campaign on 6th of March to raise funds, so we can start filming at the end of March.

It’s really important that we raise as much money as possible in the first 48 hours of the campaign.
So, if you feel passionate about this subject, I would be really appreciate your contributions. You can check out our perks and the film teaser here.

And in case you’re broke (as an actor, I can totally understand) it would mean a lot to me if you could spread the word!

You made your Directorial Debut with Couples Therapy, that was Officially Selected at TMFF and Feel The Reel International Film Festival, how does it feel to get that sort of recognition?

I’m not going to lie, it feels pretty great!

As you mentioned it was my directorial debut, so I’m extremely proud that we’ve already got over 6 festival nominations and 1 award win for the best narrative!

Of course, I was also really lucky to work with a very talented cast (Nicole Harvey and Mike Archer) as well as incredible DOP (Jacob Schühle Lewis), who have helped me turn my vision into reality.

I first became aware of you with Life’s Rich Tapestry, how was that to work on?

It was great! From the minute I picked up the script I knew that I really wanted to play the part.
It’s a great story based on true events from the experiences of the talented writer and director Amy Clarkson. It talks about pursuing our dreams no matter what and not being afraid to stand up for yourself.

What is your preferred genre, and do you have any favourite films?

I love psychological thrillers. I think there is probably nothing more mysterious and unpredictable than the human psychology. We are truly a very complex species!

Having said that, I also enjoy comedies and action films from time to time.

Are there any other aspects of the Film Industry that you would like to pursue?

As an indie film maker on a shoestring budget you’re sort of forced into doing multiples aspects of film making anyway.

That’s how I discovered that I actually quite enjoy editing and I’m also currently learning how to colour grade.

However, acting is still my most favourite part of the Film Industry and my main focus for the future.

Your Reality is based around a hard hitting subject, what are you hoping to achieve with this film?

Our mission is to raise awareness of gaslighting and help its victims recognise the signs early on, before the gaslighter has the chance to create some serious psychological damage.

A few of my close friends have been gaslighted in the past and it took them several years and an incredible strength of will to recover from it.

Are there any genres that you haven’t done yet that you’d like to?

I would love to do an action film. I’ve always seen myself as a Lara Croft type of girl and I really hope that I get to “kick ass” in film sooner rather than later.

You’ve worked with a great crop of talent, do you have a wish list of who you’d like to work with?

I would absolutely love to work with Leonardo DiCaprio, Tom Hanks, Scarlett Johansson, Emma Stone and Rachel Weisz.

To be honest I could go on and on… the list is too long.

Who inspires you within the industry?

I’m a big fan of Angelina Jolie and all the work she’s doing as the UN ambassador. In terms of directors, I really like the stylised films of Wes Anderson and the incredibly captivating stories that Christopher Nolan brings to life on screen.

Fandoms are a big part of the industry, who or what are you a fan of?

Tomb Raider series… I used to play it on PlayStation when I was 10, so it really made a huge impact on me.

Is there a book that you are a fan of that hasn’t been adapted to film or TV or Netflix yet that you’d love to be a part of?

I’ve recently read “Eleanor Oliphant is Completely fine” by Gail Honeyman – would love to play the protagonist in it if it gets adapted to film.

With the emergence of streaming services like Netflix, what do you think the future of Cinema is?

I think Cinema is not going anywhere – people just love the experience.

I’m more concerned about TV, as I think it might significantly lose it’s importance over the next decade.

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