NYC Focus: Pentimento
A young Transylvanian woman who dreams of singing on Broadway, falls in love with a troubled artist within the grit and grime of New York City.
Interview with Writer/Director Loredana Gasparotto
Watch Pentimento on Prime Video
Congratulations! Why did you make your film?
I made a film because I love storytelling and visual arts. I've always felt a deep need to communicate and share stories, meditations on life, observations and experiences through an art form. Filmmaking allows me to incorporate all the art form I love: performance, music, painting, photography and storytelling.
Imagine I’m a member of the audience. Why should I watch this film?
You should watch this film to discover what life in NYC really is and not what the media's glamorize it to be. Pentimento is a serious, dramatic story infused with quirky humor. Why? Because when we look at someone's life as observers, we realize how life in all its drama has plenty of humor.
How do personal and universal themes work in your film?
The film began with the desire to tell my personal story of immigration in NYC. The choice to start a new life in a new country has been deeply transformative and it still is to this day.
Eventually the story expanded and also became a tale about the problem of gentrification in Brooklyn. Brooklyn is one of the most expensive city in America, and this might be caused not only by unaffordable living spaces In Manhattan, but also because of Brooklyn's "cool factor" as portrayed in TV series and films.
These shows depict a glamorous, exciting, humorous Brooklyn when in reality the borough struggles with racial conflicts, extremely high rents, criminality surrounding housing problems, homelessness and overall poverty.
Pentimento begins with a short reflection on the issue of gentrification and race in Brooklyn, and then switches focus on the life of one person living this reality: a young Transylvanian woman who comes to NYC with very naive expectations.
I really love the idea of discussing a universal theme through a personal experience. I believe that as storyteller this is the best way to impact the audience and shade light on the truth.
How have the script and film evolved over the course of their development and production?
The film took over 5 years to develop since as an independent filmmakers I had to fight great odds. Finding individuals to invest in your first independent feature is very challenging. I realized that if I wanted to make Pentimento I had mainly to rely on my determination and take the financial burden. No one was going to make it happen for me. I had to take personal responsibility. It has been frustrating to wait such a long time to make Pentimento.
However time gave me the opportunity to grow as a person and as a filmmaker. Pentimento is rich and deep because it took so long to mature. If I had made it 3 years ago it wouldn't have the depth, richness and wisdom it has today. 4 years ago I didn't know what I know now.
Many beliefs and observations I had about love, and life matured, changed. Good things take a long time to manifest and I desire to make a beautiful film that offers a glimpse on the experiences of a young immigrant woman.
What type of feedback have you received so far?
So far I received positive feedbacks and encouragements. Pentimento is not a typical mainstream film. Pentimento belongs in my opinion to the art cinema niche. As an Italian I grew up watching old Italian films from the neorealism period.
A movie that made a tremendous impact in my life was " L'Avventura" by Michelangelo Antonioni. What I love about this film is its unpredictability. Antonioni unpredictably changes the course of the events, catches us by surprise and brings us to a new, unexpected journey.
I wrote Pentimento trying to emulate this concept. I know that many people will be truly surprised.
Has the feedback surprised or challenged your point of view?
A few feedback challenged my point of view, but it came from individuals' false expectations about what the film should be about instead of what the film really is.
I realized that the most important thing is to stay true to myself and my vision instead of caring too much about the approval of others.
What are you looking to achieve by having your film more visible on www.wearemovingstories.com?
The film is now on its second cut. I'm looking to begin to promote the film, create contacts and possibly find a sales agent and distributor.
Who do you need to come on board (producers, sales agents, buyers, distributors, film festival directors, journalists) to amplify this film’s message?
I'd like to gain the interest of festival directors, sales agents and distributors.
What type of impact and/or reception would you like this film to have?
I'd like Pentimento to catch its audience by surprise and be memorable. I believe the film is truly unique.
It begins as a gritty, quirky comedy and then changes into a mystery story. I believe the plot is captivating and will keep the audience interested to the end.
What’s a key question that will help spark a debate or begin a conversation about this film?
Is life in NY really like "Girls" and "Sex in the City" or is it more like " Law and Order Special Victims unit?"
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We Are Moving Stories embraces new voices in drama, documentary, animation, TV, web series and music video. 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
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Length: 1 hour and 50 minutes.
Director: Loredana Gasparotto
Producer: Loredana Gasparotto
Writer: Loredana Gasparotto
About the writer, director and producer: Loredana Gasparotto is an Italian filmmaker and artist who lives in Brooklyn NY. Pentimento is her first feature film as a writer, director and producer. Her next film is already in development.
Key cast:
Laura Pellegrini
Trevor Swann
John Shaver
Ande' Burch
Celina Leroy
George Andreakos
Looking for (producers, sales agents, buyers, distributors, film festival directors, journalists):
Funders: Loredana Gasparotto
Release date: December 2016