Lady Filmmakers Film Festival - August in the City
A mother takes a journey into the past when she learns the secret her daughter is hiding mirrors a secret of her own past.
Interview with Director Christie Conochalla
Watch August in the City here:
Congratulations! Why did you make your film?
"August in the City" was written by producer Lisa Tedesco based on a short story written by her mother Nancy Manzi. I had met Lisa in 2015 while supporting a screening of "All About E" (starring Mandahla Rose who plays Clementine) in New York. After seeing my work, Lisa approached me to direct her project.
Imagine I’m a member of the audience. Why should I watch this film?
"August in the City" is a beautifully crafted piece about changing times and the cycles of life. The photography by Maria Rusche, the talents of Daniela Mastropietro and Mandahla Rose are really undeniable. It is a beautiful piece with ebbs and flows between current times and that of the 70s that any audience member can become emotionally invested. I'm really proud of it.
How do personal and universal themes work in your film?
The theme of our film is acceptance. Acceptance of yourself, acceptance of your circumstance, and acceptance of changing times. I think we all struggle to be honest with ourselves. We all struggle with duty vs want. And I hope we can all come full circle, as August does, in accepting her past, the choices she made, and doing what she can to move on in a healthier way despite the fact she feels she gave up on something truly special for the greater good.
How have the script and film evolved over the course of their development?
The script did the same evolution as any other. Lisa sent me the final writer's version. We worked together to tighten up the themes and through lines, then when we had it in the hands of the actors in the spaces we would be filming it evolved there based on their notes and our mutual decisions to create the scenes to be as powerful as possible. I am a big believer in the collaborative process when it comes to the words which will be spoken and it's among my favorite parts of productions to work between myself and the actors to make sure the words which are said can punch you right in the gut; I feel this film achieves this flawlessly.
What type of feedback have you received so far?
I am incredibly proud of the response to "August in the City." We have been gifted many beautiful words, some people having lived what August went through directly, some people understanding the kind of sacrifices you make for your children, others have been vocal about the talents of Maria our DP and of course the beauty and skills of our leads Daniela and Mandahla. I feel incredibly fortunate to have gathered such a brilliant team of women.
Has the feedback surprised or challenged your point of view?
I feel fortunate to have this project in so many forums to answer questions and gain feedback in general. None have challenged me, per se. The questions definitely keep me on my toes and in the project. It's interesting because we shot it two years ago and I have been working on several other projects and it's always fun to have to blast myself back into two years ago when I lived this journey with them to make sure my answers give the credit and explanation they deserve. My favorite part of the experience is the audience reaction during the screenings. They all laugh, gasp, and chat about different parts of the project and some have the same reaction at the same moments. It's really wonderful.
What are you looking to achieve by having your film more visible on www.wearemovingstories.com?
"August in the City" is a beautiful story about a woman who tries so hard to come to terms with decisions she's made. She finds rest in the fact that her daughter's truth is a truth she finds in herself but due to the times could never had made the choices her daughter makes and she finds comfort that we now live in a world where her daughter can, in fact, live her truth. It's a beautiful story with beautiful photography and incredible talent. It should be a project everyone should have a chance to see and with its successful festival runs I hope your audience can make it to one of them.
Who do you need to come on board (producers, sales agents, buyers, distributors, film festival directors, journalists) to amplify this film’s message?
Lisa Tedesco, the writer/producer, is working hard on the film's distribution plan. Currently we are living out its success on the festival circuit and hope we can get into many many more. We believe this film should be seen in every state and in every market. Maria Rusche should be awarded for her photography skills. Daniela Mastropietro and Mandahla Rose should be seen for their incredible, heartbreaking, and beautiful work. I'd love for "August" to have every opportunity to move forward and up for Lisa. I'd love for it to open doors for the rest of the hardworking cast and crew. And I hope it opens doors for myself to do bigger, just as stylized projects.
What type of impact and/or reception would you like this film to have?
"August in the City" has already had amazing reception. I hope it has a long life and crosses and affects many lives. Many of us can relate to at least one of the characters whether it be the struggling person who wants comfort in her choices, the scared daughter coming out to her mother, the heartbroken true love who has to make a choice within herself, or even the unknowing person who is living out their life with someone who can never truly give their all. I want this film to truly touch hearts and minds in this human experience many of us face.
What’s a key question that will help spark a debate or begin a conversation about this film?
Does August make the right choice?
What other projects are the key creatives developing or working on now?
Writer/producer Lisa Tedesco has recently started her own production company called Lady Film Media that caters to the artistic needs of women in front and behind the camera, along with the marginalized communities within. She is currently in development for her next short film called House of La Reine which follows the path of a young woman in Brooklyn attempting to leave her family’s shadow and find contentment with the life she has chosen for herself.
Director Christie Conochalla is currently in post-production with her first feature film entitled "Forever Not Maybe." Starring Mandahla Rose and Marie Pier Gibeault it is a story about the challenges of achieving success in the male dominated music industry, the sacrifices which must be made to succeed, and the toll it takes on every other aspect of life. Career...love....they have to choose but they want it all.
Daniela Mastropietro is continuing her acting journey in New York City and has recently shot a web series called ThirtyNothings that follows a group of friends that attempt to turn their lives around now that they’re thirty.
Mandahla Rose is gearing up to shoot her next feature film "For the Love of Jessee" which will shoot in Arizona in October.
Interview: September 2017
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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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August in the City
A mother takes a journey into the past when she learns the secret her daughter is hiding mirrors a secret of her own past.
Length: 16 min
Director: Christie Conochalla
Producer: Lisa Tedesco
Writer: Lisa Tedesco
About the writer, director and producer:
Christie Conochalla is a writer/director who lives in Los Angeles, CA known for her farcial screwball comedy short "Once Upon A Zipper".
Lisa Tedesco is a NYC based writer/director/producer striving for more visibility for women in film.
Key cast: Daniela Mastropietro, Mandahla Rose, John Solo, Stacey Raymond
Looking for (producers, sales agents, buyers, distributors, film festival directors, journalists):
Social media handles:
Facebook: /christieconochalla /mandahla.rose.actor /LisaTedesco
Twitter: @cconochalla @twiistedrose @lady_film_lt
Instagram: @cconochalla @twiistedrose @lady_film_lt
Where can I see it in the next month?
Lady Filmmakers Film Fest-Beverly Hills Sept 29-Oct 2
First Glance Film Festival - Philadelphia Oct 6-8
Oslo Fusion Film Festival - Oslo, Norway Sept 8-24
Madrid International Lesbian, Gay and Transsexual Film Festival – Madrid, Spain Oct. 26-Nov 12