Former Linnaeus University student nominated for an Oscar for documentary film
Hanna Aqvilin, a former student on the Journalism and Media Production programme at Linnaeus University, has been nominated for an Oscar for her documentary film Black Box Diaries. Hanna, one of the film’s three producers, described her reaction to the nomination as overwhelming.
"I was truly surprised and so happy! We knew we had a chance since the American press had been positive, but an Oscar nomination is not something you dare to hope for or take for granted. The fact that we actually made it all the way to a nomination feels incredible!", says Aqvilin.
An honest and raw documentary
Hanna explains that because the film is so raw and honest, it invites viewers into a world that has previously been invisible. Black Box Diaries is an unfiltered, uncensored documentary, without any curated or polished scenes, and Hanna believes that this approach might be liberating for the audience.
Hanna highlights that similar cases can be found in both the United States and France, where issues surrounding consent have been widely debated, and where society’s inadequate response to sexual violence has been called into question. The film also sheds light on the difficulties of bringing rape cases to court.
"We are still facing challenges in getting the film screened in Japan, so all positive feedback and attention increase our chances of securing a Japanese premiere. Shiori Ito often says that the film is a love letter to her sister, mother, female friends – really to all women in Japan."
Preparations for the Oscars
The campaign is currently in full swing, and the team is working hard to screen the film as much as possible and to reach out to members of the Academy, as they are the ones who cast the votes, Hanna explains.
"Everything is chaotic right now, but at the same time, we are trying to enjoy this moment. After eight years of hard work, it feels incredible to have come this far!", Aqvilin continues.
The importance of education
Hanna says that her education in Kalmar opened her eyes to the art of documentary storytelling. She learned the basics of filming and editing, which paved the way for the job opportunities that came later.
"Another valuable part of the programme was all the connections I made. I met classmates who are now successful in the industry, and we still stay in close contact", Aqvilin concludes.
The Oscars ceremony will take place on 3 March, and we wish Hanna and her team the best of luck at the gala and in their future projects.
Learn more about the Journalism and Media Production programme here (in Swedish).
Black Box Diaries
The documentary follows Japanese journalist Shiori Ito in her fight for justice after being raped. The perpetrator was a prominent journalist with connections to high-ranking officials, including then-Prime Minister Shinzo Abe. Ito's case was groundbreaking, shedding light on the country's flawed judicial system and deeply entrenched social norms. The film blends personal selfie videos with cinéma vérité, documenting her life over several years – from the initial report to the court trial.