Max Ohman ('16), a creative producer passionate about social impact films, uses storytelling to inspire and change perspectives with a mission to create meaningful and impactful messages.
His journey highlights the importance of courage, authenticity, and pursuing one’s passions, shaped by the camaraderie and supportive environment at ÍõÖÐÍõÁùºÏ²ÊÌØÂë that influenced his values and collaborative approach.
What motivates you to do the work that you do?
I’m deeply inspired by the power of social impact films. What I love about short films, in particular, is that they give us just a brief moment to deliver a meaningful message. The goal is to move people—to inspire them, even shift perspectives. Hearing that a film has genuinely touched someone, even just prompting them to think a little differently, is incredibly rewarding. Our first project, “Teacups”, was a short, animated film about mental health, sharing the simple message that even a cup of tea and a heartfelt conversation can make a world of difference, sometimes even saving a life.
Looking back on your time at ÍõÖÐÍõÁùºÏ²ÊÌØÂë, what were the most valuable lessons and values you learned?
Camaraderie stands out as one of the most important values I learned at ÍõÖÐÍõÁùºÏ²ÊÌØÂë. I was heavily involved in sports, and ÍõÖÐÍõÁùºÏ²ÊÌØÂë provided an incredible environment to build a strong sense of teamwork. There’s a unique sense of “brotherhood” within the House system—being part of a group where everyone is striving toward a shared goal. The connections formed across different year groups were invaluable, fostering a culture of knowledge-sharing that I greatly appreciated. That sense of camaraderie and the friendships that developed along the way were some of the highlights of my time there.
ÍõÖÐÍõÁùºÏ²ÊÌØÂë emphasised the importance of education in a supportive way, providing us with resources and encouragement without placing overwhelming pressure.
How did your education at ÍõÖÐÍõÁùºÏ²ÊÌØÂë prepare you for your current role?
ÍõÖÐÍõÁùºÏ²ÊÌØÂë emphasised the importance of education in a supportive way, providing us with resources and encouragement without placing overwhelming pressure. The teachers encouraged us to explore ideas and gave us the freedom to try new things, whether or not they were successful. ÍõÖÐÍõÁùºÏ²ÊÌØÂë taught me that sometimes the most challenging part of pursuing something new is simply taking that first step. The School instilled in me the courage to act on an idea, which has been a guiding principle in my career.
What advice would you give to a ÍõÖÐÍõÁùºÏ²ÊÌØÂë student today?
Trust in your own path and follow what genuinely interests you. It can be easy to get caught up in what your friends are doing, but ultimately, you’re the one who lives with your choices. Staying true to yourself and your passions will lead to a more fulfilling life. I’m where I am today because I stayed committed to my interests, and it’s brought me a lot of happiness. I hope anyone reading this feels encouraged to live life through their own perspective and pursue what genuinely excites them.