Straight from the heart of Humboldt County, Brianna Chapman is an emerging filmmaker set to showcase her latest work and make her mark at this year’s Butte Film Festival (BUFF).
With her film, Where the Heart Lies, Brianna aims to bring both the beauty and mystery of her hometown of Eureka to the big screen at the historic Oroville State Theatre.
Chapman’s passion for filmmaking began at an early age. At just two years old, she was already captivated by her parents’ camcorder. By eight, she was creating her own projects—complete with green screens and pirate ship sets built with her father’s help.
Despite not receiving any formal film education in high school, Chapman pursued her dreams independently, eventually earning a dual degree in film production and business from Chapman University.
It’s safe to say Brianna has come a long way from camcorders and makeshift pirate ship sets. Now, as her latest film Where the Heart Lies prepares to showcase at BUFF, Chapman reflects on her creative process, the challenges of independent filmmaking, and her goals for the future.
In this special Q&A, Brianna Chapman opens up about the inspirations behind her film, the impact and importance of festivals like BUFF, and the lessons she’s learned along her filmmaking journey.
Q&A with Brianna Chapman
Q: What’s the story behind your film being shown at BUFF?
A: Where the Heart Lies is inspired by my friend Hunter who had an incredible sense of adventure. After college, he created a treasure hunt across Humboldt County for his girlfriend Kinsley designed to push her to face her fears. During the hunt, Hunter went missing, leaving Kinsley—and all of us—on an emotional journey to find him. The film captures that adventure, their relationship, and the mystery that unfolded. It took over a year to complete, and recreating Humboldt’s landscapes was both challenging and rewarding.
Q: How did it feel when you found out your film was selected for BUFF?
A: It was an incredible honor. Knowing that Northern California audiences will experience the film’s connection to Humboldt makes it even more special. BUFF feels like a homecoming, a chance to share this story with a community that understands and appreciates the film’s setting.
Q: What do you hope audiences take away from your film?
A: I hope it inspires people to embrace adventure, face their fears, and cherish the present moment. At its core, the film is about connection, love, and finding courage in unexpected places.
Q: How has participating in festivals like BUFF impacted your career or creative process?
A: Festivals have been invaluable for networking and sharing my work. BUFF, in particular, offers a platform to connect with other regional storytellers and gain insights for the feature-length version of Where the Heart Lies.
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Picture courtesy of Brianna Chapman
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Still from Chapmans film Picture courtesy of Brianna Chapman
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Picture courtesy of Brianna Chapman
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Q: What are your future aspirations as a filmmaker?
A: I hope to expand Where the Heart Lies into a feature film, diving deeper into its characters and themes. Long-term, I want to create films that inspire, connect communities, and leave a positive impact on the world.
Q: What’s the greatest lesson filmmaking has taught you that doesn’t directly relate to film?
A: Filmmaking has taught me resilience and adaptability. Every project brings its own challenges, and I’ve learned to embrace the unexpected, finding joy in the process no matter what.
Q: What advice would you give to aspiring filmmakers trying to break into the festival circuit?
A: Stay true to your voice. Authenticity resonates with audiences and festivals alike. Don’t chase trends—create work that reflects your unique perspective, and trust that it will find its place.
Q: What are your expectations for BUFF 2024?
A: I’m excited to connect with fellow filmmakers and celebrate the incredible talent BUFF brings together. It’s a chance to learn, collaborate, and share our stories with a wider audience.
With all this said, it’s clear that Brianna Chapman’s story exemplifies the resilience, creativity, and dedication it takes to make it in the filmmaking world.
With her film, she will bring a piece of Humboldt County to Butte County, offering audiences a deeply personal and inspiring story.
As BUFF rolls around on December 6-8, her film stands out as a must-see—so don’t miss the chance to experience Where the Heart Lies on the big screen and support rising talents like Chapman and many others.
