Cinequest / Aphrodite Film Festival 2019 – Las 17 (The 17)
Based on a true story, a young and very pregnant Salvadorian woman finds herself handcuffed to a hospital bed after losing her child to miscarriage.
Interview with Writer/Director/Producer Alyssa Carter
Watch Las 17 (The 17) on Vimeo
Congratulations! Why did you make your film?
I made this film to educate and raise awareness. In El Salvador, abortion is illegal, and a miscarriage is considered an abortion. Women are being sentenced to prison for 30 years for having a miscarriage, and the court will call it aggravated homicide. This is a true story that needs to be shared. I first heard this featured on National Public Radio and was shocked it was real and still happening. As a civilian, you want to do something to help the problem, but don't always know how. This was my way of making a difference, creating a platform, and being a voice.
Imagine I’m a member of the audience. Why should I watch this film?
Expand your mind. Learn something new. Wear the shoes of someone else and gain some perspective. Knowledge is power.
How do personal and universal themes work in your film?
This story may depict one woman's journey through Cristina Quintanilla's eyes, but she is the catalyst for all women and men to learn more about this very relevant issue. Especially in understanding that everyone has their own experience, and this is not a matter of black and white.
How have the script and film evolved over the course of their development?
This short film was intended as a "proof of concept" for a feature length film. There is so much more to this inciting incident.
What type of feedback have you received so far?
I have received a huge amount of support. So many people had no idea this was happening and want to know more, which is exactly the point. Even in the casting session for this film, I had actresses share how happy they were that I was telling this story. I so am glad to provide that outlet.
Has the feedback surprised or challenged your point of view?
This is a controversial conversation for many, as abortion is a sensitive subject. But I wanted to make it very clear that this movie is neither pro-life nor pro-choice, rather it is pro-education. I respect all walks of life and belief systems, and with that said, everyone has the right to learn, have access to education, and know about their bodies.
What are you looking to achieve by having your film more visible on www.wearemovingstories.com?
Raising awareness is key, though it is a goal of mine to make this into a feature film. If I can build an audience that supports this cause, my hope is that it will gain the momentum needed to fund that production.
Who do you need to come on board (producers, sales agents, buyers, distributors, film festival directors, journalists) to amplify this film’s message?
All of the above. I'd really love the opportunity to work with women producers like Salma Hayek, or America Ferrera on this project. But anyone who wants to be involved... can. I am open to collaborating with any person who wants to be apart of the bigger picture and see this vision come to life. This is what makes indie filmmaking so powerful. It takes a village.
What type of impact and/or reception would you like this film to have?
Since this story is not one-sided (pro-life or pro-choice), my hope is that both perspectives would view this film and understand that these women need help and deserve compassion.
What’s a key question that will help spark a debate or begin a conversation about this film?
Well, the underlying problem in El Salvador, and many surrounding Latin America countries that have a ban on abortion, stems from the fact that the government is funded by the church. So there is a huge mix of church and state keeping their people in the dark and denying access to proper health care or sex education. This is a debate that has been around for a long time and has been the root of many wars.
Would you like to add anything else?
You can follow our progress on Instagram: @las17shortfilm
This is my website with more information on the film, and ways to get involved in the feature film project: alyssancarter.com/forher
What other projects are the key creatives developing or working on now?
I have a feature length script I've written, expanding on this true story, following Cristina Quintanilla and her lawyer, Dennis Munoz. Dennis is a rookie, underdog lawyer who takes on Cristina's case and fights for her release. Their journey together sparks a movement to help other women suffering from this trauma, and hopefully will one day have an impact on ultimately changing the system for the better.
Interview: March 2019
We Are Moving Stories embraces new voices in drama, documentary, animation, TV, web series, music video, women's films, LGBTQIA+, POC, First Nations, scifi, supernatural, horror, world cinema. If you have just made a film - we'd love to hear from you. Or if you know a filmmaker - can you recommend us? More info: Carmela
Las 17 (The 17)
Based on a true story, a young and very pregnant Salvadorian woman finds herself handcuffed to a hospital bed after losing her child to miscarriage.
Length: 3:53
Director: Alyssa Carter
Producer: Alyssa Carter
Writer: Alyssa Carter
About the writer, director and producer:
ALYSSA CARTER is a proud San Jose, CA native. She has produced web series content with the Walt Disney Company, Maker Studios, as well as producing and directing over 150 episodic shows on the REACT Channel with Fine Brothers Entertainment. In 2015, she founded the production company Cast & Reels, developing professional material for talent reels, as well as short films, music videos, and branded commercials. She looks forward to directing in this new era of female filmmakers.
Key cast: Rosmery Solorzano (Cristina Quintanilla), Vanessa Suarez (Nurse), Gerardo De Pablos (Police Officer)
Looking for: sales agents, distributors, producers, buyers, journalists, film festival directors
Instagram: @las17shortfilm
Website: alyssancarter.com/forher
Other: IMDB
Funders: Self-funded
Where can I watch it next and in the coming month? Cinequest Film Festival/San Jose, CA; Aphrodite Film Festival/New York, NY