SXSW - Death Metal Grandma
97 year old Holocaust survivor Inge Ginsberg attempts to break out as a death metal singer by auditioning to America’s Got Talent.
Interview with Writer/Director Leah Galant
Watch Death Metal Grandma here:
Congratulations! Why did you make your film?
A friend named Matt Hadley texted me that he was on a music video set for a 95 year old holocaust survivor named Inge Ginsberg who does death metal. Once I received the text I immediately asked him to get her number and the rest is history.
I am also part of a class at Creative Culture at the Jacob Burns Film Center where over the course of a few months you are given resources and support to make a short film. I was at the end of my previous film about two holocaust survivors and knew this would be a perfect next project.
Imagine I’m a member of the audience. Why should I watch this film?
The title speaks for itself but beyond the spectacle of death metal grandma lies a complex and incredible woman named Inge Ginsberg. Throughout her journey of applying to America’s Got Talent- we start to learn the real reasons behind Inge’s motivations and her secret to staying alive.
How do personal and universal themes work in your film?
There are so many themes that have emerged in this process but one that sticks out is definitely the process and experience of aging and narratives of elders that are often neglected. The film shines a light on the importance of intergenerational relationships and respect in a culture where most elders are cast off. Inge has used music as a tool for survival her whole life.
How have the script and film evolved over the course of their development?
Since Inge’s story is so rich- finding the direction and thesis of the film happened over the course of production. I had incredible support from Jacob Burns Film Center Creative Culture director Sean Weiner who really helped me define my voice as a filmmaker given that there were so many places that the film could go. At first I thought I was just following Inge as she prepares for an America’s Got Talent audition but the film soon proved to be much more than that.
What type of feedback have you received so far?
We just had our world premiere and overall the feedback has been positive! One story that really touched me was my producer's friend who was in the audience after seeing the film told her she was going to call her dying Grandma immediately. That made me cry!
Has the feedback surprised or challenged your point of view?
I think hearing that Inge reminds them of their Grandma and having a relatable experience to old age is what I wanted. We are all going to age ( if we are lucky enough) . Elders in our society hold so much wisdom and should be revered and respected way more than they do. Having a fierce older lady front and center of a film was my goal.
What are you looking to achieve by having your film more visible on www.wearemovingstories.com?
I'm excited that the film will be playing at some film festivals coming up hopefully all over the world so if you live near one it would be great for you to come! You can keep track of them on my website leahgalant.com and on our social media.
Who do you need to come on board (producers, sales agents, buyers, distributors, film festival directors, journalists) to amplify this film’s message?
Any and all support of the film is welcomed. It is still crazy that we made it to SXSW and have entered the Glassbreaker films family that anything else to come out of the film besides visibility is incredible.
What type of impact and/or reception would you like this film to have?
I want everyone to call up their grandparents and tell them they love them!
I also want people to understand that old is beautiful and listening to what our elders have to stay especially now during a time of political unrest is more important than ever!
What’s a key question that will help spark a debate or begin a conversation about this film?
How are you going to live out your 90s?
Would you like to add anything else?
This film wouldn’t be possible without an incredible team that has lifted my out of my self doubt often plagued by young female filmmakers. Shoutout to my producers Sean Weiner, Christine Wexler, Elizabeth Pauker, Linhan Zhang, and Clifford Miu. My DP Kervin Marseille. My co editor Stephanie Khoury and Caleb Oaks who did the original score. Lucia Caruso and Pedro Da silva who write and sing with Inge and are featured in the film were extremely supportive and helpful and it was so fun working with them!
What other projects are the key creatives developing or working on now?
I am working on a feature documentary about the last abortion clinic on the US-Mexico border and folks who don’t fit neatly on either side of the pro choice/ pro life debate. We are in production raising money waiting to hear from grants and hopefully getting back down to see our incredible characters very soon! You can learn more by emailing 3pointpictures@gmail.com
Interview: March 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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Death Metal Grandma
97 year old Holocaust survivor Inge Ginsberg attempts to break out as a death metal singer by auditioning to America’s Got Talent.
Length: 13 min
Director: Leah Galant
Producer: Sean Weiner, Christine Wexler, Elizabeth Pauker, Linhan Zhang, and Clifford Miu.
Writer: Leah Galant and Sean Weiner
About the writer, director and producer:
Leah Galant is a documentary film director and was a 2017 Sundance Ignite fellow and Jacob Burns Film Center fellow.
Key cast:
Inge Ginsberg, Lucia Caruso and Pedro da Silva
Looking for (producers, sales agents, buyers, distributors, film festival directors, journalists): All of the above
Social media handles:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Death-Metal-Grandma-216490058909461/
Instagram: deathmetalgrandmamovie
Other: deathmetalgrandmamovie@gmail.com
Funders: Glassbreaker Films, Berring Pictures
Made in association with: Jacob Burns Film Center Creative Culture Program
Where can I watch it next and in the coming month?
Westchester Jewish Film Festival March 18th at 3 pm at Jacob Burns Film Center: