Based on a true story, when Grace (Angela Cohen), a young woman with multiple psychiatric diagnoses, returns home to live with her aging parents (Ann Dowd, John Doman), it threatens the sanity and lives of everyone involved. Without Grace journeys through the devastating impact of mental illness in a family and the parents' ultimate struggle to let go of their child.

Interview with Writer/Producer Angela Cohen

Congratulations! Why did you make your film?

You don't hear enough about the caregiver's perspective when it comes to mental illness so we wanted to tell that story, illuminate that dynamic- how it infiltrates the family and the affect that has on each member of it.

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

You'll empathize with characters and learn a little about the struggles families with mental illness deal with. And of course, who would want to pass up a performance of Ann Dowd's. If you're watching The Handmaid's Tale or The Leftovers and yearning for more, well here it is.

How do personal and universal themes work in your film?

If 1 out of 4 people experience mental illness, then 3 out of 4 know someone or care for someone affected. It makes the story we are telling widely universal. Unfortunately, because of the stigma associated, people are terrified to talk about it, but in making the film, our cast and crew slowly opened up about their personal and familial experiences with mental illness. A social awareness is happening and opening up the conversation on set brought courage to those who were silent prior. I hope that bringing this story to the world stage via an Oscar nomination will do that on a grander scale and help heal more people.

What type of feedback have you received so far?

Here's a quote we received: "Touching, painful, and wrought with emotion. A much needed look at the effect of mental illness and substance abuse on caregivers and family. "
Joseph A. Martinez, J.D., CPSS, RAS Executive Director and CEO, FIRST at Blue Ridge Inc.

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

Our goal is to open up the conversation on mental health and family, helping others to realize they aren't alone. We can do this even more massively by spreading the word about the film and it's Oscar Consideration, since that's a major platform where people take notice.

What is a key question?

The key question: Is there ever a time to let go? It's a controversial one.

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

Angela is in post on a VR Thriller sponsored by Google Jumpstart entitled, Abduction, and looking to fund her next VR film, The Art of Saving a Life, which was a finalist in the Sundance New Frontier Labs this year. It aims to revolutionize how we learn to save a life. She's also writing the television version of Without Grace, based upon the film. You can learn more at CharleyBearProductions.com. Deborah's upcoming work can be found at FullMoonFilmsNY.com.

Interview: November 17

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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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Without Grace

Length: 18 min

Director: Deborah Kammeier

Producer: Angela Cohen, EP Peter Elias

Writer: Angela Cohen

About the writer, director and producer:

Angela Cohen is an actress, writer, producer, and VR storyteller. Her production company, Charley Bear Productions, aims to create change through art from a female perspective. www.Charleybearproductions.com // Deborah Kampmeier is an Independent Spirit Award nominee and former Sundance Grand Jury Prize nominee for her feature, Hounddog.
Key cast: Ann Dowd, Angela Cohen, John Doman

Looking for (producers, sales agents, buyers, distributors, film festival directors, journalists): journalists, film festival directors, Academy of Motion Pictures Members

Social media handles:

Facebook: @angelacohenactress

Twitter: @WithoutGraceCBP, @angelacohen, @djkfilms

Instagram: @AngelaCohen