Bridging Cultures & Creating Magic
Sharissa Holopainen embraces her bicultural identity to thrive in international film production—bridging cultures, solving puzzles, and empowering others
What happens when you drop out of business school, bomb your first acting class, and stumble into filmmaking with a short film assignment? For Sharissa Holopainen, it was the start of a bold journey into the world of international film production.
In this episode of She Lights the Way, Sharissa shares how embracing her Finnish-American identity became her greatest strength—allowing her to bridge cultures, translate creative visions, and build wildly collaborative teams across the globe.
Today, Sharissa thrives at the intersection of international co-productions, helping teams navigate the unspoken cultural nuances that can make or break a shoot. From working with all-women production teams to shooting on a remote island in the Baltic Sea, her ability to foster communication and trust across borders is her true gift.
During our conversation, we talk about:
Production as a living, breathing puzzle
Embracing failure and finding your true calling
Building trust across international teams
Leading with empathy and lifting others up
Why celebrating what makes you different is the real power move
Sharissa’s story reminds us that our "wrong turns," our failures, and our differences aren't things to hide — they're things to cherish. They're the very elements that shape us into who we are meant to become. Her journey invites all of us to ask: What part of myself have I been pushing away that might actually be my greatest gift?