Directors Lab: Marielle Heller on Finding Her Voice
- Director Marielle Heller attributes a meaningful turning point in her career to her time at the Sundance Institute Directors Lab.
- Heller described a specific instance during filming at the lab when she wasn't satisfied with what she saw on the monitor.
- That advice empowered her to be more assertive and meticulous in her decision-making, ensuring every detail aligned with her artistic goals.
Marielle Heller credits the Sundance institute Directors Lab for helping her find her creative voice, a pivotal moment that shaped her approach to directing. In 2012,during the progress of her debut film,The Diary of a Teenage Girl,Heller received transformative advice from Gregg Araki: “Don’t call action until you love everything you see.” This empowered her to trust her instincts in all aspects of filmmaking. Heller now applies this confidence to her work, as seen in acclaimed films like Can You Ever forgive Me? and A Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood. Through the Directors Lab, Heller cultivated a lasting community within the Sundance Institute.For more insights on how filmmakers find thier voice, check out News Directory 3.Discover what’s next for Marielle Heller and her upcoming projects.
marielle Heller Credits Sundance Institute Directors Lab for Finding Her Creative Voice
Updated May 26, 2025
Director Marielle Heller attributes a meaningful turning point in her career to her time at the Sundance Institute Directors Lab. Looking back on her experience in 2012, where she developed her debut film, The Diary of a Teenage Girl, Heller recalls a pivotal moment that shaped her approach to filmmaking.
Heller described a specific instance during filming at the lab when she wasn’t satisfied with what she saw on the monitor. Gregg Araki’s advice resonated deeply: “Don’t call action until you love everything you see.” This simple yet powerful direction,heller said,ignited a new level of confidence in her creative vision and approach to directing.
That advice empowered her to be more assertive and meticulous in her decision-making, ensuring every detail aligned with her artistic goals. Heller now trusts her instincts, whether related to actor performances, costume choices, or camera movement. this dedication to her creative voice has become a hallmark of her work.
Since her time at the lab,Heller has directed acclaimed films such as Can You Ever forgive Me?,A Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood,and the upcoming Nightbitch. She remains connected to the Sundance Institute, serving as a programme creative advisor and Sundance Film Festival Dramatic Competition juror.
“Notably as a woman in the industry, and feeling like I already was insecure about what I didn’t know, that gave me the confidence to be really clear with what I saw, what I wanted, and to not call action until I was satisfied,” Heller said.
What’s next
Heller is currently working on future projects, continuing to champion nuanced performances and explore global themes in her storytelling.