Maren Hahnfeld

Maren works with still photography and moving image to explore the lives of communities at the edge of society. Maren investigates personal manifestations of social or political change. Her approach relies on collaboration with her subjects, who she encourages to play an active role in their representation to produce insightful and challenging work.

Maren is particularly interested to create projects situated between moving image and photography.

For several years, Maren worked with students from Hillcroft College, a residential women's college for women from challenging circumstances. 'Objects of Essence', the resulting photographic exhibition, was shown at the Rose Theatre in 2012. Kingston Arts Council and Photofusion supported this project, which juxtaposed large-scale portraits with intimate objects and personal statements.

In 2008, Maren worked as a facilitator and curator for the Nia Project (Women's Aid) with women who have experienced domestic violence. The women's photographs culminated in the exhibition 'Through my Eyes' at the TAB centre in Hackney. The Charity Bank and Trust for Education supported this project.

Prior to this, Maren worked with inmates from HMP Pentonville to direct Bully Me, Bully Who? This documentary was produced in collaboration with Roger Graef and was shown at the Curzon Soho Cinema before being distributed to penal institutions across the UK.

Currently, Maren is working on her research project North of Eden, an exploration of Photography, sound and poetry, which investigates life in a small rural community in the American Northwest.

Maren has worked as a researcher, director and producer for BBC Factual Television and also produced independent documentaries for festivals and charities.