Newport Beach Film Festival - Spanko
A misfit second grade teacher explores her taboo fetish for the first time.
Interview with Writer/Director Melanie Zoey Weinstein
Congratulations! Why did you make your film?
I made Spanko to create a humanizing portrait about one woman's journey with her complex sexuality, and to celebrate the weird stuff that makes us different. I wanted to tell this story in a way that's personal, intimate, and funny (but not slap-stick) so that an audience could open themselves up to subject matter they otherwise might not be exposed to. I wanted to counter the Fifty Shades phenomena with a film that felt more gritty and real. Spanko is not a fetish film - it's a film about a woman with a fetish, and how that irrepressible difference both challenges and inspires her.
Imagine I’m a member of the audience. Why should I watch this film?
Well, for one, I think Spanko will push your comfort zone. We live in a society in which the standard portrayal of female sexuality is objectifying, and created by men. Spanko is a sex positive film directed by a woman. I made this film because it's a story that I needed to personally tell, but also because we need more imagery of female sexuality that's humanizing, rather than objectifying. I also hope the film will make you laugh, feel and think.
How do personal and universal themes work in your film?
Hmmm - I'd rather you watch the film and decide for yourself!
What type of feedback have you received so far?
Some quotes:
"Spanko is frank, funny and triumphant!"
"Infectious with an inspiring message."
"Fearless and vulnerable...I felt completely aligned and identified with Ms. Baum. It always seems like the part of the story or movie that will get me is the sex, but I am always engrossed by the humanity...I love this, and thank you so much for sharing it with me. I want you to find a major financier, so the world can see what you can do on a mega huge level!"
"Very powerful and I love the ending!" - my mother (a sex therapist)
Has the feedback surprised or challenged your point of view?
The feedback has been challenging and inspiring, and helped me to grow as an artist. Throughout the creation of Spanko, I reached out for guidance from mentors and friends, which challenged me to really push myself as a filmmaker. It was especially helpful to receive notes that contradicted - since the subject matter is taboo, and I knew going into it this could be a polarizing film, this pushed me even harder to trust my own instincts. Following your own vision can be vulnerable and scary with such intimate subject matter - but it's also so liberating and empowering. I'm proud of myself and my team for the naked and whole-hearted work we've created together. Honestly: I can't wait to make more movies. I'm so jazzed. This is just the beginning.
What are you looking to achieve by having your film more visible on www.wearemovingstories.com?
I'm looking to connect Spanko with the global independent film community. Hey, everybody!
Who do you need to come on board (producers, sales agents, buyers, distributors, film festival directors, journalists) to amplify this film’s message?
We would love to have interested film festival director's contact us directly to continue to get the short out there. Journalists may also contact us for press or interviews, which always helps create buzz. Beyond that, I am developing a feature based on the short - so please reach out if you're a strong creative producer interested in making a bad-ass sex positive film that rebels against our conventional ideas about who women should be.
What type of impact and/or reception would you like this film to have?
One of my favorite quotes: "Art should comfort the disturbed, and disturb the comfortable." If you're disturbed by the film, I hope it inspires a conversation outside of your comfort zone. And if you're comforted by the film: you are my heart, and I absolutely made this for you.
What’s a key question that will help spark a debate or begin a conversation about this film?
Why is fetish considered taboo? Have you ever felt shame for something that made you different? How can we help "others" feel safer and more included in our world? What are your expectations for women, and how are they different from men?
Would you like to add anything else?
Love what makes you weird!
What other projects are the key creatives developing or working on now?
Follow @melaniezoeyyy on instagram for updates!
Interview: April 2018
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We Are Moving Stories embraces new voices in drama, documentary, animation, TV, web series, music video, women's films, LGBTQIA+, 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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Spanko
A misfit second grade teacher explores her taboo fetish for the first time.
Length: 12:00
Director: Melanie Zoey Weinstein
Producers: Elissa Cohn, Chell Stephen, Jennifer Tocquigny
Writer: Melanie Zoey Weinstein
About the writer, director and producer:
Melanie Zoey Weinstein is a filmmaker and performer who creates content at the intersection of sex, religion and modern life. She is the director of the viral film WHY I DANCE and coproducer of A24's MENASHE, which premiered at Sundance and was nominated for an Independent Spirit Award.
Key cast: Melanie Zoey Weinstein and Robert Bella
Looking for (producers, sales agents, buyers, distributors, film festival directors, journalists):
Social media handles:
Facebook: facebook.com/spankofilm
Twitter: @melaniezoey
Instagram: @melaniezoeyyy
Where can I watch it next and in the coming month?
Newport Beach Film Festival: 4/27 at 8:30 PM at Triangle Cinemas Screen 9
Tickets here: https://newportbeachfilmfest.com/event/down-her-shorts/