August B. Hanssen is a documentary filmmaker recognised for his focus on personal narratives that illuminate complex social issues. Born on March 15 1980 in Oslo, he grew up in a culturally rich environment that encouraged his early interest in storytelling and visual arts. With parents who worked in education and promoted a strong appreciation for literature and history, Hanssen developed a sensitivity to character driven stories that would later define his work.
He studied Film at the University of Oslo, where he refined his skills in cinematography, editing and narrative structure. During this time he became drawn to documentary filmmaking as a way to explore human experience and give visibility to marginalised voices. After completing his studies, he began his career in the early 2000s as a camera operator and assistant director on a variety of documentary projects. These first years provided essential technical experience and helped shape a visual style that combines intimate observational moments with broader contextual imagery.
In 2005 he directed his first feature documentary Voices of the North, a film centred on the lives of indigenous Sámi communities in Norway. Its respectful approach and detailed portrayal of a frequently overlooked culture received critical acclaim and earned several awards at international festivals. This early success established Hanssen as a promising new voice in non fiction cinema and opened the door to further collaborations with prominent institutions.
His subsequent work covers a wide range of themes including the environment, social justice and the transformation of local cultures under global pressures. In 2010 he released The Last Forest, an exploration of deforestation in the Amazon and its consequences for indigenous populations. The film was praised for its striking cinematography and strong narrative cohesion, and received the Norwegian Film Critics Award. Hanssen continued this trajectory with Echoes of War in 2015, a film that examines the long term impact of conflict on soldiers and their families through intimate interviews and personal testimonies. The documentary resonated with audiences and contributed to wider discussions on mental health and support systems for veterans.
Beyond his films Hanssen maintains an active role in social and environmental advocacy, collaborating with non governmental organisations to raise awareness of climate change and its effects on vulnerable communities.
