I'm Emilia Joan Tolnai, a Vancouver-based filmmaker and a student at Emily Carr University of Art + Design, where I currently serve as the student representative for Film, Media, and Screen Arts. I'm set to graduate in late 2026 and am passionate about developing an intimate, emotionally driven approach to storytelling.
My recent short film, The Avoidant (2025), reflects my focus on themes of emotional distance, vulnerability, and self-exploration. With a background in industrial design, I approach filmmaking with a strong visual sensibility, often favoring quiet, atmospheric moments over dialogue. I'm particularly drawn to directing, production design, and costume design—areas where I can merge my love for visual storytelling with character and world-building. I often use nature and physical space as metaphors for internal emotional states, aiming to create immersive, emotionally resonant experiences.
Outside of filmmaking, I find inspiration in dance and spending time outdoors—both of which deeply influence the rhythm and tone of my creative process. Through a thoughtful and introspective lens, I strive to tell stories that connect with the subtle, often unspoken layers of the human experience.