WHO AM I?

Tessa Sabrina Robin Bil

I’m Tessa Sabrina Robin Bil -  filmmaker and storyteller.

Through Whatever Films I create character-driven stories that explore the beauty and absurdity of everyday life.

Whatever Films is the production label through which I develop my films. My work is intended to not only provide entertainment, but also to encourage the viewer to reflect.

My stories are rooted in everyday life, drawing from its undiscovered beauty and fascinating characters. Recognizable themes and authentic characters create films that touch the audience and leave a lasting impression.

Besides my own projects, I've collaborated with various filmmakers and companies. My production experience includes work with film actors academy amsterdam, Lukkien, Act & More, Moskito Film and several independent film productions.

Why I Write

I am a writer because storytelling is a necessity for me. I have been writing for as long as I can remember - first wanting to write books, and later screenplays. Writing is my way of understanding the world around me and making sense of it.

Film has always fascinated and inspired me. What attracts me to writing for film is the medium’s power to tell a complete story in a relatively short time, where every moment counts. From short films to feature films, it’s remarkable how as a writer I can convey complex ideas and emotions within the limited time of a film.

I'm a writer because I have no other choice: stories for me are a way to investigate, connect and to understand. And every time that I'm writing, I become aware of new layers to discover - in the world, my characters and myself.

Why I Direct

I was already reading at a young age. I wanted to read books that entertained me, and in which I could dream away, and the fictional world really came to life. When I write my stories, I often already have a clear vision of what things should look like, ranging from the actors who inspire my writing to the way the world of the story should look.

Often, my stories are based in daily life. They might not necesarily be "based on true events" but there is always a core of reality in the stories: events can be based on things that have happened in my life, characters might be influenced by people that I know. Often, I put a lot of myself into characters that I write.

Being a director allows me to bring the stories I write from the page to the screen.