Today we’d like to introduce you to Tobias Ohlsson.
Hi Tobias, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
I was born & raised outside of Malmo, Sweden, and my love for filmmaking started at the early age of 7.
When I reached my 20s, I decided to take my passion to the next level, so I packed my bags, kissed suburban life farewell, and jumped on a plane to America, where I attended film school in New York City.
Years later, the American Dream still haunted me. So in 2022, I moved to Charlotte, NC, to further my career. A few year in, I am now fortunate to be able to split my time working in the US and Sweden.
What excites me the most about filmmaking is the process of starting with a blank sheet of paper, then, through teamwork, innovation, and craftsmanship, steering a project across the finish line.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
It definitely hasn’t been a smooth road. Filmmaking is a high-risk, high-reward profession where it can take years before you’re able to make a stable living. You’re constantly balancing the creative side with the business side, and there are always periods where you’re wondering where the next project will come from.
In my case, I also started without any connections to the industry. I didn’t have a network or an easy way in, so I had to build everything from scratch. That meant reaching out to people, taking on different roles, saying yes to opportunities, and proving myself one project at a time. It wasn’t glamorous, but it taught me the value of persistence.
Like any entrepreneurial career, there have been ups and downs. I’ve had projects fall apart, funding applications rejected, and long stretches of uncertainty. But I’ve learned that setbacks are simply part of the process. Every challenge has forced me to improve my craft, expand my network, and become more resilient. Looking back, those struggles have shaped me just as much as the successes.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
I’m a writer and director working across documentaries, commercials, and narrative film. Regardless of the format, I’m drawn to stories that explore identity, belonging, and the complexities of being human. I’m less interested in spectacle than in creating emotionally honest films.
One project that really represents my approach is my short documentary Joakim. It’s an intimate portrait of a small-town florist reflecting on his life growing up in the Swedish countryside and his struggle to find acceptance – from his peers, society, his family, and ultimately himself. The film captures the kind of stories I’m most passionate about telling: deeply personal stories that reveal something universal. I think it also reflects my visual style – observational, atmospheric without drawing attention away from the people at the center of the story.
What I’m most proud of isn’t a specific award or achievement, but the trust people place in me. Whether I’m working with documentary subjects or actors, I strive to create an environment where people feel safe enough to be vulnerable. That’s often where the most meaningful moments happen.
I think what sets me apart is my ability to combine a strong visual sensibility with genuine empathy. I care as much about how a story feels emotionally as I do about how it looks and sounds.
How do you think about luck?
Luck has definitely played a role in my career – both good and bad. There have been moments where I’ve met the right person at the right time, and others where projects I’ve invested years in never got made. That’s the nature of filmmaking.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.nightowlvision.com
- Instagram: nightowlvision
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100063962322802
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tobias-ohlsson-62649232/
- Twitter: https://x.com/NightOwlVision
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@nightowlvision4888
- Other: https://vimeo.com/nightowlvision
