With this sentence, Natalie MacMahon sums up her approach to filmmaking. Without a big budget, but with courage, independence, and a strong team, she made her first short films—and has followed her own path ever since: from acting and directing to screenwriting and festival work.

Today, many know her as the founder of the Female Filmmakers Festival Berlin. A festival that arose because Natalie quickly realized: women are underrepresented in the film industry—and even when they gain visibility, it often comes with narrow stereotypes. With the festival, she creates space for diversity: films by women that are not reduced to feminist themes, but cover all genres—from sci-fi to romcom, from drama to experimental film.

In the Soonercast, we talk to her about different facets of her work: her journey from idea to finished film, the structures that still hold women back in German cinema, and the festival as a place for connections, community, and feminist perspectives.

The conversation shows: Natalie MacMahon is a filmmaker, festival director, and advocate for more courage in the German film industry.

Enjoy listening!