Libby, a suburban mom, is trying to juggle an acting career and parenting while also dealing with aging and loss. Looking for signs that things will work out is what keeps her moving forward.

Interview with Writer/Producer Liz Samuel

Watch Momtress here:

Congratulations! Why did you make your film?

I felt that I had a story I had to tell and that I hadn't seen anything else out there like it. I wanted to make something relatable to other women and other Moms who juggle so much.

Imagine I’m a member of the audience. Why should I watch this film?

It will make you laugh, make you feel and make you think about why and how we continue to move forward to pursue our 'perfect' life when sometimes things aren't always so perfect. It's relatable and cringy funny.

How do personal and universal themes work in your film?

The personal story is still relatable to most. Even if you are not a mother, as a woman we have to deal with aging and loss at some point in our lives and sometimes it's sooner than we expect. As for universal themes: loss and love, following our passions and dreams and juggling what life throws at us sometimes in a split second.

How have the script and film evolved over the course of their development?

I had written 6 episodes of a series which I then combined into one 12 min short film which is now the pilot to my series. The series follows the same main characters but bring in a few more as well. The short film can stand on its own whereas the next episodes are shorter and should each be watched one after the next.

What type of feedback have you received so far?

I've been told that it's really funny and relatable and well written. Also, many people love the look and the feel of it. I've been told that I must continue to create the next episodes because they want to follow the journey of the main character, Libby, whom I play and is loosely based on my life.

Momtress - Behind the scenes from new series

What are you looking to achieve by having your film more visible on www.wearemovingstories.com?

I'm hoping that everyone will tune in to watch the series when it's out and available online. We're shooting it Nov 11-13 and hope to have it up in a few months.

Who do you need to come on board (producers, sales agents, buyers, distributors, film festival directors, journalists) to amplify this film’s message?

I would need buyers, distributors and journalists to take a look at this series and help us get it onto a platform that would show it to a wider audience and ultimately help us fund more episodes. I crowdfunded as well as used my own personal funds to create the film and these next 4 episodes but moving forward, I will need someone else to finance it or help us get funding to keep it going.

What type of impact and/or reception would you like this film to have?

I'd like it to be seen across the world to make people laugh and relate and understand what a suburban mom goes through to follow her dreams. Just because I'm a Mom doesn't mean I have to stop following my passion. And I want to inspire all women to pursue their dreams. Sometimes a big loss can stop us in our tracks but it shouldn't be a full stop. For me, when I lost my own mother, I was paralyzed for a brief time and then it fueled me to tell stories. We should all be telling stories to keep women's voices heard. I want to inspire women.

What’s a key question that will help spark a debate or begin a conversation about this film?

Can a full time mom also have a full time career? Does aging stop us from following our dreams?

What other projects are the key creatives developing or working on now?

Please follow all things MOMTRESS on fb at www.facebook.com/momtress

and on instagram at www.instagram.com/momtress_series

Interview: November 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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Momtress

Libby, a suburban mom, is trying to juggle and acting career and parenting while also dealing with aging and loss. Looking for signs that things will work out is what keeps her moving forward.

Length: 12 min

Director: Jeremiah Kipp

Producer: Liz Samuel, Ari Blinder

Writer: Liz Samuel

About the writer, director and producer:

Liz Samuel (writer, producer) produced for TV and made the switch to acting years later. Now she can been seen in commercials, on stage, TV and most recently has a role in an upcoming Adam Sandler film, THE WEEK OF.

Jeremiah Kipp (director) is a writer, producer and director with over 10 years experience creating narrative and commercial films. He has directed several short films which have been seen at festivals around the world including Cannes.

Looking for (producers, sales agents, buyers, distributors, film festival directors, journalists):

Looking for buyers, distributors, journalists--sure! Anyone who wants to talk about how to get this to a wider audience as we create the series and get it up online!

Social media handles:

Facebook: @momtress

Twitter: @momtress

Instagram: @momtress_series

Where will the film screen in the next month?

We will be at LA Comedy Festival Nov 8th and Austin Indie Fest Nov 12th