Chicago Feminist Film Festival - House of Teeth
In the aftermath of her divorce, a woman in midlife sets out to find her bearings -- and her mojo -- as she discovers the challenges and surprises of life beyond marriage.
Interview with Writer/Director Susanna Styron
Congratulations! Why did you make your film?
I made this film because I feel like there’s a huge misconception about, and lack of attention to, the reality of women in mid-life — their sexuality, strength, humor and vitality.
Imagine I’m a member of the audience. Why should I watch this film?
This film is full of humor, heart, surprises, and brutal honesty about adult relationships.
How do personal and universal themes work in your film?
This film is about finding oneself at whatever age, and being true to your own desires. Everyone can relate to that.
How have the script and film evolved over the course of their development?
This was originally more focused on the lead role of the mother, but as it was rewritten, and then on set with the actresses, the adult mother/daughter relationship took on more prominence.
What type of feedback have you received so far?
We’ve received several audience awards, and have consistently gotten wild applause and cheering at the end. People express their appreciation at seeing what they know to be true but never see portrayed so honestly in film.
Has the feedback surprised or challenged your point of view?
I’ve been gratified that people can appreciate my vision so powerfully, that it touches so many people of all ages.
What are you looking to achieve by having your film more visible on www.wearemovingstories.com?
I’m looking for people to see women over 50 in an entirely new — and more accurate —light. As the vibrant, sexual, funny, angry, powerful, complicated people they can be.
Who do you need to come on board (producers, sales agents, buyers, distributors, film festival directors, journalists) to amplify this film’s message?
All of the above!!
What type of impact and/or reception would you like this film to have?
I’d like this film to be seen by as many people as possible and change the way women in mid-life are viewed.
What’s a key question that will help spark a debate or begin a conversation about this film?
What do you think it's like to re-enter the sexual marketplace after over 20 years of monogamous marriage?
Would you like to add anything else?
My lead actress gives one of the greatest, most subtle and nuanced performers ever. She should win an Oscar for it.
What other projects are the key creatives developing or working on now?
Writer/director Susanna Styron has a feature documentary, OUT OF MY HEAD, premiering in New York City at MoMA’s Doc Fortnight February 20 - 26
Interview: February 2018
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We Are Moving Stories embraces new voices in drama, documentary, animation, TV, web series, music video, women's films, LGBTIAQ+, scifi, horror, world cinema. 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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HOUSE OF TEETH
In the aftermath of her divorce, a woman in midlife sets out to find her bearings -- and her mojo -- as she discovers the challenges and surprises of life beyond marriage.
Length: 25:50
Director: Susanna Styron
Producer: Joshua A. Foster
Writer: Susanna Styron
About the writer, director and producer:
Key cast: Deborah Hedwall, Amanda Kristin Nichols, Stephen Bogardus
Looking for (producers, sales agents, buyers, distributors, film festival directors, journalists):
Where can I watch it next and in the coming month? Saturday March 10, 4:00 pm at Village Cinema East in NYC http://www.womensfilmfest.com/
Sunday March 18, 8:00 pm in Brattleboro, Vermont http://womensfilmfestival.org/
Wednesday March 28, 8:00 pm in Nyack, New York http://rivertownfilm.org/