Keep Going University: Making Art With Director Bille August

Tell stories to understand, not to impress.

Welcome to Keep Going University, a series where we take real conversations with artists, makers, and thinkers and pull out practical advice you can use in your own creative work. These aren’t feel-good slogans or vague calls to “follow your dreams.” This is grounded, tested advice from people who’ve done the work—often for decades—and kept going through success, failure, and everything in between.

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In this edition, we’re looking at what filmmaker Bille August has learned over a 45-year career in storytelling. He’s made award-winning films, faced tough setbacks, and still finds joy in the work. His take on simplicity, honesty, and preparation is a clear reminder that creativity isn’t about chasing trends or perfection. It’s about paying attention, showing up, and finding meaning in the process.

Here’s what he had to say—and what you can take from it.

1. Tell stories to understand, not to impress.
Bille didn’t start out wanting to be a “filmmaker.” He started by writing small scenes to make sense of the world. His process has stayed consistent: observe something that matters, take the emotional core, and build a narrative around it. If you're stuck, don’t aim to create something big or impressive. Start by noticing something that troubles or moves you. Make a short scene, a sketch, a melody—whatever helps you process it.