A surrogate mother faces a harrowing dilemma when she’s asked to abort the baby she carries for another woman.

Interview with Director Cecilia Albertini

Congratulations! Why did you make your film?

Thank you! "Labor" was my thesis film at UCLA, where I just completed my MFA in Film Directing. I made this film because I wanted to make a social drama and tell a story that hasn't been told before in a film.

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

If you want to see a film with a strong female lead that captures a very timely story, then my film is for you.

How do personal and universal themes work in your film?

My film revolves around motherhood and what it means to be a mother. It's an issue that feels very personal to me but that everyone can relate to. It's also a film about how the new possibilities that technology has opened up for us influence our lives.

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

It has been a constant evolution at every stage. It took me and my wonderful co-writer, Andrea Brusa, several months to complete the script even though it was only eleven pages. We went through many different possibilities, but then landed on this one at the end. I went through a similar process with the editor, Marie Lee. Every new collaborator brings in a different perspective, which is why making film is such a wonderful, ever-changing process.

What type of feedback have you received so far?

I've gotten very positive feedback so far, and many people couldn't believe that the film is actually inspired by actual events.

Has the feedback surprised or challenged your point of view?

Some people have asked me if I was trying to give a political message, and I really wasn't. I was just intrigued by the story and I thought that it was worth telling.

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

I want as many people as possible to see the film! So this is a great opportunity to do so. I am also very proud to be a part of a platform that has such a strong mission to promote female filmmakers.

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

I am looking for journalists who are willing to write about the film, as well as film festival directors who would want to show the film at their festival. And of course, buyers.

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

I hope that people will want to watch more and be interested in seeing a feature version of it.

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

Who is right and who is wrong? I think it's a compelling question, because in my film, there isn't an answer to it. No one is right and no one is wrong.

Would you like to add anything else?

I want to thank my wonderful cast and crew for making the film happen and for believing in it. The film wouldn't exist without them.

What other projects are the key creatives developing or working on now?

I am currently developing a feature script about a surrogate mother. I am also working on a new short film, as well as a web series. My co-writer Andrea Brusa, who is also a director, is working on his next short film as well as traveling to festivals with his last short, "Magic Alps". The cinematographer of my film, Halyna Hutchins, recently wrapped a feature film and a web-series.

Interview: May 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+, POC, First Nations, scifi, supernatural, 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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Labor

A surrogate mother faces a harrowing dilemma when she’s asked to abort the baby she carries for another woman.

Length: 12 minutes

Director: Cecilia Albertini

Producer: Gregory J. Rossi

Writer: Andrea Brusa, Cecilia Albertini

About the writer, director and producer:

Andrea Brusa is a writer/director originally from Italy. After completing his MFA in Screenwriting at UCLA, he went on to write and direct several short films. He co-wrote "Viola, Franca", which premiered at the Tribeca Film Festival in 2017. He wrote and co-directed "Magic Alps", which premiered at the Clermont-Ferrand film festival in 2018.

Cecilia Albertini is a writer/director from Italy. In addition to working as an actress in Italy and the U.S., Cecilia completed her MFA in directing at UCLA, and wrote and directed several short films, both fiction and non-fiction. She recently directed and edited a short documentary about Francis Ford Coppola's latest live cinema experiment.

Gregory J. Rossi is a producer from Rome, Italy. He has produced a number of feature films and short films, including the feature films "Il Bosco Fuori" and "Le Formiche della Città Morta".

Key cast:

Diana Elizabeth Torres, Francesca Inaudi, Enzo Rodriguez

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

Journalists, festival directors.

Social media handles:

Facebook:

https://www.facebook.com/LaborShortFilm/

Distribution company webpage: https://www.lightsonfilm.com/labor.html

Made in association with: UCLA Theater, Film and Television School.

Where can I watch it next and in the coming month?

I am not sure yet, it will depend on the festival run :)