Chicago Feminist Film Festival - A Meal With Dad
Haunted by a past that never was, Justine gets a lesson in cooking and family ties from an unexpected source.
Interview with Writer/Director Brittany Alsot
Watch A Meal With Dad here:
Congratulations! Why did you make your film?
At the heart of this film is a woman's struggle to heal from her past and form new connections with important people in her life. I wanted to tell a story that, while dealing in part with identity issues, recognizes queer as only one part of a person's identity and experience. I did not see enough nuanced LGBTQ stories on screen, so when I was writing a script to explore a father/daughter relationship, it made sense for the protagonist to identify as queer.
This film was conceived and produced with the guiding principle of queer and people of color representation both behind and in front of the camera. We put together a cast and crew who was largely queer-identifying, POC, and aligned with our feminist values. The culture on set was intentionally designed to create a safe, respectful space where everyone can bring their authentic selves, collaborate fully, and do their best work.
Imagine I’m a member of the audience. Why should I watch this film?
If you like quiet, personal stories of healing, this film will tug at your heartstrings and make you think.
How do personal and universal themes work in your film?
We all have emotional connections to food, to family, and to our own identities. These connections play out in a particular way for the protagonist, Justine, but her struggles to heal from the past and reconcile with family in the present are recognizable to many people.
How have the script and film evolved over the course of their development and production?
The script as I wrote it was very quiet and fragmented. The actors I brought in were great collaborators and I asked them to expand upon and improve the scenes. Much of the creation happened on-set and the dialogue became a bigger part of the film. But it still retains the core feeling I wanted going in.
What type of feedback have you received so far?
Several people have told me they appreciate how the structure makes them pay attention and work out what’s happening as the plot unfolds. The story speaks to a lot of people who have lost someone, who have connected with people through food, and who have struggled with coming out to their family. I’m told it makes a lot of people cry.
Has the feedback surprised or challenged your point of view?
Artists are perhaps more comfortable taking liberties with their own history than audiences realize. Many people in my family assumed that because parts of the film were inspired by my past that it was going to be entirely true to my life and the people in it. I’m still working to heal that hurt and to unpack the disconnect between my intentions and the expectations of people who know me.
What are you looking to achieve by having your film more visible on www.wearemovingstories.com?
I believe the world is a better place when we can empathize with others through their unique stories. So, the more stories people are exposed to, the more their perspective broadens and understanding of the world deepens.
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 love to have my film distributed as part of a series of shorts, or some other new distribution format I haven’t even dreamed up. I would also love to connect with producers who want to see more work like this to help launch future projects.
What type of impact and/or reception would you like this film to have?
I want to foster a hunger and demand for complex queer stories to be told on film. I want people to engage with their personal journey to healing and see possibilities for their own growth.
What’s a key question that will help spark a debate or begin a conversation about this film?
What is the importance of food in your life and in your family?
What are the key creatives developing or working on now?
Brittany Alsot (writer/director) directed and edited “Tides,” a dance-inspired queer film that is traveling the festival circuit. She is shooting and editing the comedic & educational webseries, “Alt-Right Delete,” as well as producing and editing a series of short films about gun control titled “It Could Happen Here.”
Brody Willis (cinematographer) is running their own non-profit, Blanket Fort Films, to provide free filmmaking tools and education to women and LGBTQ folks.
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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A Meal With Dad
Haunted by a past that never was, Justine gets a lesson in cooking and family ties from an unexpected source.
Length: 00:15:00 minutes
Director: Brittany Alsot
Producer: Arlo Ballard
Writer: Brittany Alsot
About the writer, director and producer:
Writer/Director Brittany Alsot is a queer, feminist, anti-racist filmmaker who believes in the healing power of storytelling and art that represents the outsider experience.
Producer Arlo Ballard
Key cast: Sheila Houlahan, Maximillian Davis, Emily Jo Testa
Social media handles:
Facebook: www.facebook.com/amealwithdad/
Looking for: Producers, Distributors, Film Festival Directors
Funders: Ellie Poley and Kickstarter Backers
Made in association with: Blanket Fort Films
Where can I see it in the next month? At a festival near you