Tanya Regan is a writer and documentarian based in Western Australia. She has numerous short documentaries to her credit, including her short film "Finding Frances" which was a finalist in the Life in Pictures Competition at Revelation International Film Festival 2018. Tanya is passionate about film making, and issues affecting communities such as mental health. We had the pleasure of interviewing Tanya Regan for The Australian Film Network.
Welcome to The Australian Short Film Network Tanya Regan.
Tanya – What a delight, thank you.
When did you realise you wanted to pursue a career in film, and in particularly documentaries?
Tanya – I had no idea what I wanted to do with my life. The idea that a woman could be a filmmaker just wasn’t in my mind. I grew up in the 80's and generally women were represented as assistants and receptionists. I loved making films when I was a kid. My best friend Nikki would talk her Dad into filming us with his home camcorder. Instead of writing an English assignment we would make a film instead. That was a lot of fun. When I started university, I was originally enrolled in nursing, but then I sort of fell into media and film studies. I never had the intention of being a filmmaker. We were told at uni that there were no jobs for us in the industry. I studied film to pass the time until I could figure out what I really wanted to do. After university I just needed a job, so I went into a receptionist role and discovered it wasn’t for me. I then worked in media departments for various areas of the state government. In 2018, with a baby in my arms, an ad popped up on my Facebook feed for the Life In Pictures Competition with Revelations International Film Festival. The competition was to make a 2-minute film. I instantly had an inner knowing that I needed to do it. It was in the process of making that film that my love of film-making, particularly documentary, was ignited. I just knew after making my short film Finding Frances that this was my path. It had been staring me in the face all along.
Who or what inspires you and why?
Tanya – I am inspired by people who are brave enough to break out of the box and claim who they are. We are so heavily conditioned by society to fit in. I really believe that we all have unique zones of genius and that we are here on earth to express ourselves. But it isn’t easy.
You are passionate about mental health issues, Is there a reason for that?
Tanya – I moved to Mandurah five years ago and was shocked when there was a spate of young men who committed suicide in our region. At the time I had two young boys and it really affected me. Do you feel that there is still a taboo towards mental health issues in Australia?
Tanya - Looking after our mental health should be as natural and normal as brushing our teeth every day.
Not all of us go on to have mental illness but we all have mental health that needs to be looked after. This affects absolutely everyone. We have no problem talking about a broken leg or any other physical health issue but when it comes to mental health there is shame and denial.
What project are you currently working on? Tanya - I am currently working on a short documentary about the psychological impact of COVID-19. In particular how it impacted my mental health and the steps I took to adjust to the ‘new World’. It will be screened at the Reflections COVID 19 Exhibition at the Contemporary Art Spaces Mandurah in August and September 2020. I am also developing a feature length documentary about mental health.
Where would you like to be in 5 years?
Tanya – In 5 years I intend to be making social impact feature length and short documentaries that are catalysts for positive social change. I would love to have a team working with me by then so that my storytelling is more effective and so the quality of my work can continue to improve.
What is your favourite Australian film? Tanya - The documentary 2040 written and directed by Damon Gameau. He cleverly told the climate change story in an optimistic way.
What is your favourite documentary? Tanya - The Don’t Stop The Music ABC documentary series with Guy Sebastian. It was so well put together and had such a strong message. The social impact of that documentary series is measurable and is making a real difference to a lot of kids lives.
As a woman in film making, do you feel that the film industry is more difficult to navigate or easier?
Tanya – For me, yes. I do wonder if that is because I am about to reach 40. As a young woman I was certainly looking outside of myself for female role models and there were few in the film industry when I was young. I think there are more and more opportunities for women and the industry is actively encouraging diversity. But it is a process. It will take time.
If you could work with anyone film wise who would it be and why?
Tanya – Damon Gameau, I love his optimism.
Your partner also makes films, how is it being part of a film making couple?
Tanya - Mark and I have been together for 20 years. We met at University in FAV101 (Film and Video class). Our Lecturer George Karpathakis put us together in a group to make our first student film. I was the Director and Mark was my Assistant. On our next production our roles were reversed and that’s pretty much what we have done since. We take it in turns being the ‘Director’. We are just two people with our own creative visions who know they can’t do it all alone. Mark has been a part of every film I have made. He is my sounding board. He picks me up when I doubt myself. I always feel like he has my back. I think every creative person needs at least one person like that in their corner.
Any words of advice for women wanting to make films or documentaries?
Tanya – Just do it! Don’t wait for permission. If you don’t have a camera use the one on your phone and just do it. The advantage of being a woman is we are wired to work with what we have got. We are the gatherers. Work with what you’ve got and make something. We don’t need perfection, we need creation.
Where can our readers find you?
Tanya – Facebook Tanya Regan – Filmmaker, Instagram @tanyareganme and on my website www.tanyaregan.me
Thank you for your time Tanya Tanya - Thank you for this opportunity and for your support.
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