A young lonesome girl, from a sad family, hopes to find solace in the world outside but discovers the familiar when she meets a strange farm-hand with piercing eyes, and is forced to confront her own confusing feelings through an violent encounter with a kitten.

Interview with Writer/Director Francesca Mirabella

Congratulations! Why did you make your film?

I have always been interested in what makes a human being who they are. What subtle moments, interactions and observations gather together to make a 'person' and inform the actions they take. This film is an exploration into those interests.

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

This film examines cause and effect; how what one sees and experiences can create who they are and impact what they do. It examines how one child internalizes the stresses and demands of the adult world and takes it out in an unexpected way. There is also a little bit of surprising violence in there, that is guaranteed to make you squirm a little.

How do personal and universal themes work in your film?

This film explores themes that I have continued to explore in subsequent works and will continue to mine throughout my career as a story teller. These themes include, the seeds of a person (as mentioned), the demands put on young girls in this society, how female anger is expressed, and finally ones connection with nature (which has been of profound importance in my own life).

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

As they say, the script always has three phases and therefore is three stories: the one you write, the one you shoot and the one you eventually make. This film is no different, each phase was a different experience and revealed new things. That said, in the end, this film is indeed what I set out to make, in look, feel, tone, and story.

What type of feedback have you received so far?

There was a woman who saw the film and confessed to me that she had been picking at her own skin for years and had never told anyone (something the main character Otelia does). Hearing that this woman saw something in the film that she recognized in herself, and was moved by seeing it portrayed, was tremendous for me. There is a lot about the female experience that is yet to be seen in film, this feedback is a testament to that, and was motivation for me to continue to portray that experience.

Has the feedback surprised or challenged your point of view?

There was some interesting feed back I got from one viewer about the lead, Otelia, being like the cat in the film: drinking milk, eating cat food etc. That was a kind of revelation for me. One of those things you do instinctively without realizing, that a viewer can point out to you. I loved this observation because it is so true.

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

Films are made to be seen and hopefully this is way for me to get the film seen by others. In addition, I am always making new projects, I have a couple coming out soon! And would love to connect with people who are interested in seeing my new work.

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

Every director is looking for a devoted team of professionals who believe in their voice and their vision. I have a team of people whom I love, but am always looking to expand that. A devoted producer for future projects, some film festival contacts, all of that would be amazing! I would love to hear from you: Francesca.mirabella@gmail.com

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

I would love for the film to make people feel something, and perhaps think more deeply about something they have over looked or forgotten all about.

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

I'll leave that to the audience.

Would you like to add anything else?

I hope you all enjoy the film!

What are the key creatives developing or working on now?

I have recently finished two new shorts which I am looking forward to sharing with the world. In addition to that, I am working on a bunch of new projects. I am currently developing 2 features, a television show, a short film, and two docs. There is a lot going on. I am inspired at the moment :). Sue Yeon Ahn, producer, is currently EPing at The Directors Bureau. Christopher Dapkins, DP, has recently shot a film of his own.

Interview: March 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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Mistakes Were Made

A young lonesome girl, from a sad family, hopes to find solace in the world outside; but discovers the familiar when she meets a strange farm-hand with piercing eyes, and is forced to confront her own confusing feelings through an violent encounter with a kitten.

Length: 13:37

Director: Francesca Mirabella

Producer: Sue Yeon Ahn

Writer: Francesca Mirabella

About the writer, director and producer:

Mirabella has always been interested in the human experience and devoted to exploring it. She is currently finishing her degree in writing and directing at the Tisch School of the Arts, as a Dean's Fellow. Her films have screened at: the Atlanta Film Festival, the Catskills Film Festival, Festival International Signes De Nuit, Palm Beach International Film Festival and most recently, the Picture Farm Film Festival. She has made narrative and documentary works and continues to make more!

Key cast: Sophie Nyweide, Ian Christopher-Noel, Robin Haynes, Kate King
Social Media Handles:

Facebook: www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=830169&ref=bookmarks www.facebook.com/mistakesweremadefilm/

Twitter:

Instagram: @fmirabella

Other: www.francescamirabella.com

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

Funders: Various

Made in association with: Elkcreek Cinema

Where can I see it in the next month?

Stay tuned!