When a phone sex operator is accepted into Oxford University, she must confront her live-in mother, a codependent hoarder, about her decision to move across the globe.

Interview with Writer/Director/Producer Jeanette Dilone

Congratulations! Why did you make your film?

Latine culture has a complicated relationship with the concept of familial independence. Traditionally, we believe in loyalty, family, and sacrifice, and these values help create a strong support system and close-knit community. Hoar explores what happens when this same system becomes overgrown and begins to hinder one’s own well-being.

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

You should watch Hoar because it is funny, candid, and raw. I categorize this film as a dark comedy that touches on universal issues, such as family, mental illness and success.

How do personal and universal themes work in your film?

In this film, Amy is torn between her American values and her traditional background. I was interested in the juxtaposition between the two ideologies. Amy works in the sex industry and views herself as an empowered, modern feminist. Constancia, her mother and a devout Catholic, prays to God for her daughter’s salvation.

Amy, dreams of leaving her home to embark on her Ph.D. journey across the globe. However, Constancia is exhibiting extreme behavior, like hoarding and social isolation. Constancia's potentially undiagnosed mental illness worries her daughter deeply.

Hoar - Actors Brianda Agramonte and Iliana Guibert

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

The script evolved in one main way: the insertion of the moving company arriving at their door. This addition made the conflict feel a lot more urgent, increasing the already heightened tensions of the story.

What type of feedback have you received so far?

The feedback I often receive is a surprise at the humor of the film. Though Hoar explores a relationship between a sex worker and her mentally ill mother, it is not a gritty drama. It is a (dark) comedy! I made sure to instill moments of joy throughout the film, in spite of the heavy topics.

Another common feedback I receive is from people who have dealt with hoarders in their families, and their appreciation for seeing this issue represented in a way that is raw, honest, and respectful.

Has the feedback surprised or challenged your point of view?

The feedback has motivated me to continue my journey as a filmmaker, seeing the impact that it has had on viewers. I want to continue telling stories that explore heavy themes in a comedic style that is uniquely me.

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

I'm hoping to achieve curiosity in people who have not yet seen the film. We are having a busy festival run, and would love for even more people to view and support! I also hope this film catches the attention of the film industry as a whole and finds a distributor!

Hoar - Cameo by Director Jeanette Dilone

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

Ideally, I'd love for Hoar to be picked up by a distributor and reach a larger audience. We're also in the middle of an amazing festival season for Hoar, and would love to keep the good vibes going! Festival directors: please reach out as well!

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

There is a lack of Latine representation in film, especially when it comes to people of color and women within that community. I'm glad to have made a film with an Afro-Latina cast. I'm happy to have been given the opportunity to further tell our stories.

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

Leaving anyone you love, especially a vulnerable, isolated person, is a difficult decision - one that can be both right and wrong at the same time.

Would you like to add anything else?

Perhaps Hoar is less about one woman’s search for independence, and more about a family’s path to interdependence, a journey that is universal and yet unique to every person, situation and community.

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

I'm working on writing longer-form scripts; several pilots are in the works!

Interview: May 2023

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

Hoar

When a phone sex operator is accepted into Oxford University, she must confront her live-in mother, a codependent hoarder, about her decision to move across the globe.

Length: 16:17

Director: Jeanette Dilone

Producer: Jeanette Dilone

Writer: Jeanette Dilone

About the writer, director and producer:

JEANETTE DILONE is a filmmaker, born and raised in Washington Heights, New York City. Jeanette fell in love with acting and filmmaking during her college years at Columbia University. Most recently, she was selected for the Read Latinx Writer's Initiative as well as Tomorrow’s Filmmakers Today, sponsored by Warners Bros. Discovery and the HFPA. She is also a recipient of the LALIFF Inclusion Fellowship, sponsored by Netflix, where she completed her third short, Hoar (2022). The short premiered at LALIFF 2022. Her sophomore short, Rizo (2020), which she wrote, produced and directed, won the 2020 HBO Latinx Short Film Competition and is available to watch on HBOMax. Jeanette made her directorial debut with the short film, Return, (2017), which she also wrote and produced. It premiered at the NY Shorts International Film Festival and was acquired by Shorts TV. Her vision is to create compelling Latine-centered narratives that explore themes of family, identity and success.

Key cast: Brianda Agramonte, Iliana Guibert, Taylor Petracek, Robert Douthat, Jeanette Dilone

Looking for: distributors, film festival directors and journalists

Instagram: @jeanette_dilone

Hashtags used: #hoarshortfilm

Website: www.jeanettedilone.com

Other: IMDb

Made in association with: LALIFF Inclusion Fellowship

Funders: LALIFF Inclusion Fellowship