At The Haileybury Society, we are always proud to celebrate the achievements of our OHs, whose creativity and ambition continue to inspire our community. When we heard about Anna-Katharina’s exciting journey into filmmaking, we were delighted to catch up with her and share her story…

Anna-Katharina (Aby 21) has taken an impressive path since her time at Haileybury. After completing her iGCSEs during the Pre-IB programme, she returned to her hometown of Cologne, Germany, where she achieved her Abitur, before moving to Vancouver to study Film Production at Vancouver Film School.

Having worked as a production designer on several short films, Anna-Katharina went on to write and direct her own original short film, Glass Child, as her final project. Leading a crew of around 45 people to bring her vision to life.

Rooted in her own lived experience, Glass Child explores the often unseen perspective of siblings growing up alongside family members with complex conditions. The film offers a raw and intimate portrayal of love, responsibility and emotional strain, shedding light on what is sometimes referred to as a “glass child”. Someone who feels overlooked while trying to be the “strong” one within the family.

Now in the midst of its festival run, Glass Child has already received recognition, having been selected for the Silver Chance International Film Festival. An event celebrating powerful stories of resilience and transformation. The film will have its premier screening on 26 April at Moxie Cinema in Springfield, Missouri.

Reflecting on the project, Anna-Katharina shares:

“This film is deeply personal to me. I wanted to create something honest that doesn’t shy away from the complexity of family life and mental health. Glass Child is for anyone who has ever felt they had to put their own needs aside for someone they love.”

If you happen to be in the area, Anna-Katharina warmly invites members of the Haileybury community to attend the screening and support her work.

We look forward to following Anna-Katharina’s journey and celebrating many more successes in the years to come.