This week, I’m joined by Halina Dyrschka, an award-winning filmmaker, writer, and producer whose work challenges the overlooked and underrepresented in art history. Born in Berlin, Halina began her creative journey in acting and classical singing before moving into filmmaking. Her first short, 9andahalf’s Goodbye, screened at over 40 festivals, winning more than 10 awards.
Halina’s groundbreaking documentary, Beyond the Visible – Hilma af Klint, brought long-overdue attention to the pioneering abstract artist. The film screened at over 50 festivals worldwide, received widespread acclaim, and was named one of The New York Times’ best films of the year. In this episode, Halina shares the challenges of telling af Klint’s story, from institutional gatekeeping to funding struggles, and reflects on how persistence, collaboration, and trusting the creative process led to success.
We also discuss her current projects: a documentary on minimalist artist James Howell and a feature on Maria Sibylla Merian, a 17th-century scientist and illustrator who defied expectations to study insects in South America.
What We Learned from Halina Dyrschka
Halina’s journey is a reminder that the greatest creative breakthroughs often come from following your instincts, persevering through obstacles, and amplifying voices that have been overlooked. For anyone navigating the intersection of art, storytelling, and impact, this conversation is both energising and inspiring.
