Biography

Chanya Button was born in London in 1986. After studying drama and literature at Oxford University she became an assistant director in a few of the most prestigious theaters of the English capital (The Globe, the Bush, the Tricycle). She then turned to film and was immediately noticed by her first three shorts, 'Frog/Robot' (2011), 'Fire' (2012) and 'Alpha: Omega' (2013). Her first feature, 'Burn Burn Burn', which she not only directed but produced as well, came in 2016. It succeeded in the achievement of being at the same time thought-provoking and hilarious. Her second feature, 'Vita & Virginia', is by nature less funny insofar as it is the faithful account of the complex relationship shared by Virginia Woolf and her lover and admirer Vita Sackville-West, the two ladies being interpreted with talent Elizabeth Debicki and Gemma Arterton.
- IMDb mini biography by: Guy Bellinger

I would say I don't have to look very far for a fantastic mentor in the world of film - I take a lot of inspiration from my mum, and all that she achieved across her career. Her CV would be the subject of envy for many, and she pulled together productions internationally all while being a fantastic parent. There's tons of female directors out there, unfortunately they're just not in the spotlight as much as male directors.

The greatest thing about being a filmmaker is that it is truly a collaborative art. I have a team that I work with time and time again who are truly gifted. It is the most nourishing thing to grow a little opportunity and find a language together. That's something that's an ongoing inspiration.

Looking around at the filmmaking family that I am accumulating and creating opportunities for us is what drives me forward. To see the talented people I work with flourish is a great joy and privilege.

The best advice I ever received was to think carefully about why everyone is in the room and use that as a basis to work with them. Thinking about the needs of others and working to create a kind and happy workplace is just about the best thing you could do. Making a film is an incredibly intense experience so being self-aware and generous as possible with your treatment of your cast and crew is the only way I would ever aim to work.