Interviews with Creative Women: Joanna Saul

by Aliki Bitsakakis, Persephone Media

3 min read, April 4th, 2025

Joanna Saul is a Toronto-based actor and filmmaker whose projects have gone on to screen at top-ranked film festivals worldwide. Joanna is a founding and Executive Team Member of Counterbalance Collective, a group dedicated to balancing the film industry by producing women-led projects. Her writing debut, “Shut Eye,” is currently in development. What she loves most about filmmaking is having a front-row seat to the incredible array of talents on set, and witnessing how they come together to create something even greater than the sum of their parts.

What barriers have you faced as a woman in your industry and how have you overcome them?

I think doubt can arise easily in this industry, especially for women. Whether it’s originating from within, or from a negative, diminishing experience, it can make creating anything feel impossible. I believe it can be overcome through community. With Counterbalance Collective, we built a supportive environment where we explore new (sometimes intimidating) positions in film and allow ourselves the space to try, fail, and grow. Surrounded by talented, inspiring women, we proved to ourselves that we are stronger than any doubt in us.

What is the best piece of advice you have ever received?

These are some quotes I’ve heard over time about staying the course and overcoming doubt. They’ve stuck with me and I think they’re helpful for anyone pursuing their dream life – artistic or not. 

• “On dreams: The only guarantee that it won’t happen is if you give up.” 

• “You don’t have to believe your thoughts. Think about everything you believe in, but don’t believe everything you think.” 

• “Have the humility to know things might not go your way, but the confidence in yourself that you’ll be okay.”

Why is it important to support women in your field?

Women are meticulous and thoughtful, strengths born from constant scrutinization and a world designed to make us second guess ourselves and our place in nearly every industry. Even the most insanely talented women in my life are more self critical than they should be. Support the women in your field and be that positive voice passionately encouraging them to take that next step they’ve undoubtedly earned.

How do you think we can create a more equitable workplace in your industry?

Providing learning opportunities (especially in technical roles like cinematography, sound, gaffing, etc.) to women and other underrepresented communities on set is a powerful way to foster equity. Give someone their first credit, share your knowledge, and be open to learning from them as well. The entire industry will benefit, I promise.  

Name one woman that you either personally know or admire from afar, and explain why you look up to them

My mother, an ambitious, hardworking go-getter who instilled in me that anything is possible if you set your mind to it. And Alicia Richardson, my fellow Counterbalance Member and an incredible playwright, actor, and so much more. Her writing is profound, but filled with so much heart, humour, and joy. She inspires, motivates, and does it all with a playful (and hilarious) spirit.