Joyce Hills and Foujeanne Gharib: Two Filmmakers, Two Worlds

Filmmakers Joyce Hills and Fozhan Gharib are forging their unique paths in the world of cinema, each with a distinct vision that challenges conventional storytelling. While Hills delves into the fantastical realm of Vikings and sorcery, Gharib tackles the stark realities of political and social oppression. Despite their different genres, both women share a powerful commitment to using their art to explore defiance, resilience, and the human condition.

The Feather: A Viking Thriller with a Fantasy Twist

Joyce Hills, a fantasy aficionado, is the creative force behind “The Feather,” a Viking fantasy epic that she and her thesis team at NYU recently completed. The film, shot on a virtual production volume, is a blend of historical authenticity and imaginative fantasy. Hills collaborated with a cultural advisor who also worked on A24’s The Northmen to incorporate genuine Viking artifacts, such as a brooch of a swan, into their digital environments. This meticulous attention to detail grounds the film’s fantastical elements, which include trolls, giants, and a dream sequence with intricate special effects and makeup.

“The Feather” tells the story of a married Viking chieftain and his wife who receive a prophecy that only one of them will survive a battle and be…