Stephanie Chloe Hepner chatted about directing the short film “Betty Bird Goes to War” and the digital age.
How did “Betty Bird Goes to War” come about?
I was approached by writer Michele Hogan to direct this powerful story of resilience, strength, and womanhood.
Inspired by a true event, the film reflects the danger, hardship, and emotional violence that countless women endure every day.
Almost everyone knows someone touched by domestic violence—either personally or through a loved one. What we rarely talk about is the impossible calculus victims must navigate: Do they defend themselves? Do they leave? What happens to their children? That inner conflict can be paralyzing.
What compelled me to direct this story was its unique approach. We never see or hear the abuser. Instead, we live entirely inside the protagonist’s mind—her fear, her instinct, her trauma, her growth.
This perspective offers a deep emotional precision that creates as much, if not more, catharsis than showing the violence outright. The film centers voice, not brutality.
It transforms silence into story, giving women’s hidden experiences visibility, dignity, and hope.
Why was Domestic Violence Awareness Month (DVAM) important to you?
Domestic Violence Awareness Month matters because it signifies the sheer number of people affected… so many that we dedicate an entire month to their experiences. I wish that weren’t necessary.
When we acknowledge these stories publicly, survivors and their loved ones feel less alone and more seen. That’s part of Betty Bird’s mission.
DVAM fosters solidarity, reflection, and growth. I’m deeply grateful to the organizations, including the UN, that welcomed Betty Bird Goes to War onto their platforms.
Their support helps amplify the pain, resilience, and lived experiences of victims, and honors the strength it takes to survive.
How does it feel to be a filmmaker in the digital age?
It’s pretty wild! Filmmaking evolves by the day: new tools, new formats, new creators. The name of the game is adaptability.
In many ways, this is the best time to be an independent filmmaker: talent is everywhere, remote collaboration is normal, and tools are accessible.
It’s the best time to be an independent filmmaker, as there is so much talent.
This past week, I picture-locked a comedy I wrote, directed, and starred in shot in Los Angeles with just a month of prep. That was only possible because of technology and an incredibly generous creative community.
Tech has become one of the great accelerators of indie filmmaking.
How do you use technology in your daily routine?
Self-taping is huge. Auditions for projects of all sizes have transitioned to rely on technology.
We have built home studios with lighting, sound and backgrounds, and are taping using smartphones or cameras we own, to send the files digitally to casting offices. As a director, I am also receiving auditions this way.
Aside from devices like phone and computer, I use technology to do the things I don’t want to do, like order groceries.
I would rather not go to the store, and spend that time working on developing, editing or rehearsing a script.
Technology has allowed me to take back some time. I use a training app to work out that connects to my watch. I use project management digital tools to plan my slate of film and TV production.
In terms of art, I use technology for the business-side of art. Creating plans, spreadsheets, research… The fact that it’s accessible 24/7 is a blessing for creatives, because inspiration truly has no schedule.
What is your advice for young and emerging filmmakers?
Find your tribe! None of this is done alone, or in a vacuum. Find the people you admire and respect artistically, people who inspire you and challenge you, and have fun together.
Tell stories that haunt you, excite you, and get you out of bed in the morning. Be honest and kind, always.
What does the word success mean to you? (My favorite question)
Success means having a reason to get out of bed every morning that makes you happy, excited, purposeful. Giving and receiving love, being surrounded by kind people.
Being able to direct my time and energy to storytelling, and give opportunities to other talented friends who may get overlooked. Choosing what is really important to stress about.
Being recognized for my work and encouraged to continue in the path. And of course, awards and accolades don’t hurt.
What would you like to tell our readers about “Betty Bird Goes to War”? (What’s the one thing you want them to get out of it)
Art can help overcome almost anything. Much of the art we see around us- films, paintings, songs, you name it- has been inspired or ignited by pain, struggle, heartbreak, or absurdity.
I would love readers to know that on screen, we can move beyond statistics, showing resilience and survival while sparking empathy and dialogue, so that every victim’s safety and dignity become non-negotiable.
The collective experience of watching a film like “Betty Bird Goes to War” goes beyond awareness, and offers healing.
The film embodies the old wisdom: “Take your broken heart, and turn it into art.” I’m profoundly grateful to have been trusted with bringing this story to the screen.
To learn more about Latina filmmaker Stephanie Chloe Hepner, follow her on Instagram.
