EXCLUSIVE: Hannah Dougherty’s one woman cast and crew short ‘Made By Us’ released on Film Shortage

23 September 2026 | By Molly Lipson

Australian filmmaker Hannah Dougherty’s new short Made By Us is now available to watch on Film Shortage. Not only is Dougherty the lead nine times over, but she is also the writer, director, producer, cinematographer and editor. It is a feat of filmmaking.

It follows Joan, an artist struggling to create an honest portrait of herself. The problem? She’s surrounded by herself—the best parts, the worst parts, the person she wishes she could be, and the voice constantly reminding her that people might not like what they see. As her different selves collide, Joan is forced to confront the insecurities standing between her and the one thing she’s most afraid to create: something truly honest. Other characters include Jonarthy Jones, the instagram art critic, who’s the main voice of that fear. Jane, the model, is what she aspires to be: honest, with some pretty solid boundaries. The other characters are there to actually get the work done. 

“While visiting an art gallery, I thought about how much of the art was made alone. Perhaps this means that every artwork is, in a way, a self-portrait, and even films could be considered self-portraits. This relationship we have with art as a reflection of ourselves is what I wanted to explore again,” Dougherty says.

Playing all the characters, as well as holding every crew role, wasn’t without its challenges. “There were the obvious technical challenges, like trying to listen as an actor while acting to nobody, and not having anyone behind the camera to spot mistakes (like when the microphone isn’t turned on). But the biggest challenge was trying to live up to the message of the film. In order for Joan to accept herself, she had to be honest. She had to let go of her insecurities and take a risk. When I realised what the ending of the film needed to be, I had that ecstatic feeling that I’d figured out the puzzle. This feeling was quickly followed by panic, that in that process, I would have to be very vulnerable myself. And the doubt set in,” says Dougherty.

The film is now available to watch on Film Shortage below.