You only need to meet Charlie Buhler once to understand her work: the stories she has documented and the communities she has worked with speak to an extraordinary level of trust between filmmaker and subject. From kid cowboys in Compton, to Indigenous hip hop artists in Rosebud, South Dakota, it is clear to see how people would be drawn to Charlie’s infectious energy and authenticity – and why, in turn, they have been happy to open up their lives to her.

Born in an interracial family, Buhler brings her multicultural background to the table. Her work, as she describes, is majorly inspired by nature and the people around her. Buhler takes pride in being influenced by the experiences of women, people of color and little nuances of life that do not often make it to the screen. She is all set to showcase her latest project 'Before the Fire', which is also her first feature film.

“Men are allowed to have all different layers, but as women, especially young women, people are always trying to put you in a box, and it can be limiting to not just your career but also to your emotional and mental health. They’ll project onto you based on the sliver of you they’re seeing at the moment. So don’t let people define you. Don’t let yourself get stuck.”