Grandma & Isabella
Synopsis
“Grandma & Isabella” is a poetic, observational documentary centered on Livina, a primary caregiver to her great-granddaughter Isabella. Filmed over four years yet unfolding within the arc of one day, it reflects on the often unseen labor of caregiving and the quiet commitment of those who step in, generation after generation.
Film Screening & Ticket Information
When & Where to See this Film!
BLOC: True Stuff: 5 Docs on the marks we make, spaces we keep, & who we become
KAS Zukor Theatre
2:30pm Saturday, November 15th
Films in this Bloc:
Film Information
From the Director
Director Statement
I made “Grandma & Isabella” as a way to honor my maternal grandmother, who was a primary caregiver to my sister and I as we grew up. As a child, I saw my grandmother as disciplined and tough, but looking back, I realize that while she rarely expressed sentimentality in words, she showed love through her consistency and attention. Whether it was making us breakfast, reminding us of our table manners, or scolding us for not doing our homework, these seemingly small expressions of care were essential for us at the time.
By focusing on the quiet rhythms of Grandma and Isabella’s daily life, I wanted to create space for audiences to reflect on the people who provided them with structure, safety, and love. Condensing four years into twelve minutes has resulted in a poetic film where the routines of the day, the changing seasons, and moments with family underscore the enduring commitment of caregiving.
Director Biography
Hannah Engelson is a documentary filmmaker and cinematographer known for her observational and impressionistic style. Her work captures tender moments in the lives of individuals whose deeper impact on the world might otherwise be overlooked.
As a cinematographer, she has contributed to numerous short and feature-length films and documentary series that have screened at festivals including SXSW, DOC NYC, and the Hamptons International Film Festival, and streamed on platforms such as Netflix, Hulu, Sky Documentaries, and PBS (American Masters, Great Performances). She has collaborated with clients including Capitol Records, the Empire State Building, Google, the SAG-AFTRA Foundation, and United Airlines.
Hannah’s documentary work has received funding from the Adobe Creative Residency Community Fund, the Riley Fund, and the Virgin Unite Social Impact Film Fund. Her short documentary “Jonah Stands Up” premiered at the New Orleans Film Festival, where it won both a jury and audience award. The film was later broadcast on World Channel as part of the Reel South series, premiered online on Short of the Week, and received a student award from the Directors Guild of America.
Credits
Hannah Engelson:
Director, Producer, Cinematographer
Christopher Lewis Dawkins:
Co-Producer
Chelsi Bullard:
Editor, Additional Producer
Xavier Coleman:
Editor
Sam Kahrar:
Editor
Pierre Huberson:
Original Music
