We recently connected with Aliza Brugger and have shared our conversation below.

Alright, Aliza thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. Let’s jump back to the first dollar you earned as a creative? What can you share with us about how it happened?

This wasn’t my first gig, but it was my first legitimate project in LA, and it felt like a milestone. I directed a music video for Sa-Roc called “Wild Seeds,” produced by Rhymesayers Entertainment. It was a really exciting opportunity, not just because of the project itself but also because of my connection to Rhymesayers. Growing up in the Midwest, with Rhymesayers based in Minneapolis, their music was a big part of my life, so getting to work with them was surreal.

The experience was even more special because of how incredible Sa-Roc and her team were to work with. Sa-Roc is a really cool artist, and bringing her vision to life was a privilege. It was one of those moments where I felt a real connection between my roots, my passion, and the work I was creating.

Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.

I’m Aliza Brugger, an award-winning filmmaker based in Los Angeles, originally from Nebraska. I went to Columbia University, where I earned my MFA in film. My journey in filmmaking has been driven by a desire to create empathy and connection through storytelling, particularly by exploring themes of class, queerness, family dynamics, and the subconscious.

My work spans various formats, including short films, music videos, commercials, and feature-length scripts. I’ve always been fascinated by the complexities of human relationships and the impact of societal structures on personal lives. My films often dive into these subjects, with a focus on working-class experiences, queer identities, family dysfunction and the subconscious.

In addition to my narrative work, I’ve directed music videos and commercials like the Upstream Farms’ whiskey release campaign. I’m also very excited for my upcoming feature-length documentary, A Little Gay on the Prairie, which follows a few queer folks who have made their home rural USA.

Can you tell us about a time you’ve had to pivot?

A pivotal moment in my career was inspired by Nebraska State Senator Machaela Cavanaugh. In 2023, Cavanaugh took a bold stand against LB 574, a bill aimed at restricting gender-affirming healthcare for minors in Nebraska. To block the bill, she filibustered every piece of legislation brought before the Nebraska legislature, including some of her own proposals. At the time, I had been sitting on A Little Gay on the Prairie, a documentary celebrating queer folks who have found home and happiness in rural USA. I was waiting for the right time, funding, and partners. Inspired by Cavanaugh’s decisive approach, I decided to stop waiting and started taking small steps to advance the project. I’ve since made a broader pivot in my career, emphasizing proactive engagement over waiting for perfect conditions.

Are there any resources you wish you knew about earlier in your creative journey?

I listen to the Scriptnotes podcast with Jon August and Craig Mazin, and I wish I’d been listening to it longer. It’s mostly about screenwriting, but it gives a lot of insight into the industry as a whole.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.alizabrugger.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/aliza.brugger/
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/aliza-brugger-158957308/
• Other: https://vimeo.com/user108606865

Image Credits

Andres Solorzano
Mariah Olson
Nicolle Tio