Meet the Finalist: Christin Muuli, "HA:NA"

Tell us about yourself, and about HA:NA.

I’m from Estonia, a little country Up North Europe where my sarcasm is rooted. I was introduced to the stage through dance at the age of three - dance rehearsals, choreography - I did that for 17 years. So yes, I’ve walked around with bruised knees half of my life. It took me one trip to New York, to “stumble” into acting. 9 years of that, including my Bachelor’s Degree, I’ve worked on big Hollywood sets and countless independent productions, experienced plenty of rejection but more so respect, met my partners in crime, I never questioned my choice of career.

Creatively speaking my background also includes 10yr of graphic design, 5yr of production design and as of recent years heavy involvement with a patented technology development.

On a personal level, my loud giggly laughter has apparently gotten me numerous front seat invitations. I don’t believe in second chances, but going after what you want. Insincerity is whack. I highly appreciate privacy. I always seek honesty.

Playing Hana was a very intimate role, which unfolds itself in the rich details of the film. Her character is complex and fragile. HA:NA is a great glimpse into the mind of a young woman as it touches the topics of identity and womanhood.Being the “Best Actress of the Year” Nominee at New York Film Awards feels like I’ve gotten a promotion. Haha, jokes aside, I am very honored, surprised. Getting the recognition for my work feels great. I’m celebrating!

Share a memorable moment you experienced working on this project.

The director Isadora Veríssimo works so intuitively, which was fun to witness. It would usually be a few takes before she gets the take she loves, and once she does, her reaction is somewhat like what you experience when you eat your mom’s best dish while witnessing a puppy nailing his first high-five trick - it’s the extended “Ohh, wooow! So good! I love it!”. So from the long week of shooting HA:NA, I remember the recurrent moments charged with excitement, when Isadora applauded everyone after a good take. But also, when one of our jokester producers AJ Pitre brought me a chair for me to sit on with a piece of white gaffer tape stuck on the back of it, which read in a beautiful handwriting “CHRISTIN M.” I thought it was hilarious, as I had just joked about how much I care about such nametags. Good laughs!

Name 3 collaborators that you'd take with you to any other project.

A shout out to my talented co-stars Peter Moffatt & Mack Bates who were great to act off of and a big part of the many layers of Hana; and to all of the team behind the camera, who deserve the recognition just as much! I’d work with this team again any time.

3 tips you’d like to share with aspiring artists in your field:

Being an actress in the entertainment industry. My advice? Discipline. Your daily routine is the biggest part of what your journey looks and feels like. It should keep you learning, it should keep you focused. Balanced. You’ve got to be mentally able to go through the filters of heavy competition. At the end of the day, the amount of time you actually get to act is very small. It’s key not to get lost in the white noise in between.

Tip 2. Always make an effort.

Tip 3. Get to know the people you want to work with.

What do you hope to achieve in your career in the next 5 years?

Five years from now, I hope to be wearing a golden gown - this is an inside joke. But in all seriousness, in five years time I’ll do my best to be a household name.

HA:NA is nominated for Best Actress of the Year at the New York Film Awards.