NYAFF 2023: 12 WEEKS - Q&A

Summary

In this interview, writer and director Anna Isabel Montadina discusses her first feature film, a deeply personal exploration of a woman's internal and external conflicts amidst the backdrop of the Marawi crisis in the Philippines. She shares the challenges of being a female filmmaker in a male-dominated industry and the importance of authenticity in storytelling. Montadina also addresses the film's reception, her documentary-influenced aesthetic, and the decision to focus on the relationship between mother and daughter rather than solely on the issue of abortion. The conversation touches on the film's impact on audiences, the importance of choice, and the universality of the story.

Takeaways

• 🎬 The filmmaker, Anna Isabel Montadina, discusses her journey in a male-dominated film industry and the challenges faced by female artists.
• 📽️ Anna's first feature film took almost 20 years to materialize due to limited opportunities for women in the film industry.
• 🌟 The film is semi-autobiographical, reflecting Anna's personal experiences and thoughts on motherhood and societal pressures.
• 🏆 The film was recognized as the Best Philippine Film of 2022 by the Critics Society, highlighting its significance and quality.
• 💰 Anna had to work with a tight budget, shooting the film in just eight days, which was a luxury compared to the common five-day shoots in the Philippines.
• 👩‍👧 Anna chose to cast real-life mother-daughter duo Max Eigenmann and Grace to play the roles in the film, adding authenticity to their performances.
• 🎵 The film's aesthetic includes a lack of soundtrack, emphasizing the documentary feel and allowing the audience to focus on the raw emotions.
• 📹 Anna's documentary background heavily influenced the film's style, with a focus on authenticity and avoiding melodrama.
• 🏥 The film's setting during the Marawi crisis and Duterte regime was intentional, aiming to highlight systemic oppression and the cycle of abuse and trauma.
• 🌐 Anna's goal is to make the film accessible to communities fighting for women's rights, using it as a tool for activism and conversation.

Q & A

Who is Anna Isabel Montadina, and what role does she play in the film industry?

Anna Isabel Montadina is a writer-director known for creating films about women in a male-dominated industry. She has been making short films since 2004, and this is her first feature film.

What challenges did Montadina face in making her first feature film?

Montadina faced difficulties because of the male-dominated film industry. It took her nearly 20 years to create her first feature film, facing obstacles like limited opportunities, budget constraints, and skepticism from people who believed women's stories do not sell.

Why did Montadina choose the story for her first feature film?

The story is personal to Montadina, dealing with themes of motherhood, societal pressure, and women's rights. It also reflects her experiences turning 40 and contemplating whether to have children.

What real-life events influenced the setting of Montadina’s film?

The film is set during the Marawi crisis in the Philippines in 2017, during President Duterte's regime. The crisis and the struggles faced by women, especially mothers, during that time deeply influenced the film.

How did Montadina’s documentary background influence the aesthetic of her film?

Montadina’s documentary background helped her maintain a sense of authenticity and realism in the film. She used handheld cameras and avoided melodrama to focus on internal conflicts. She also emphasized awkward silences and subtle moments to enhance the emotional depth.

What is the significance of the mother-daughter relationship in the film?

The relationship between the mother and daughter is central to the film, exploring generational trauma and the pressure placed on women in Filipino society. The tension between them reflects broader themes of personal and societal struggles.

Why did Montadina avoid using a soundtrack in the film?

Montadina chose to rely on sound design rather than music to keep the film authentic. She wanted to avoid manipulating the audience's emotions and maintain a documentary-like feel, using silence to heighten the emotional tension.

How did Max Eigenmann contribute to the film’s success?

Max Eigenmann, who played the lead role, brought a deep understanding of her character, especially as a mother. Her real-life mother also played her on-screen mother, adding authenticity to their dynamic. Max’s performance earned her Best Actress at the Cinema Live Film Festival.

How did the film address societal issues in the Philippines?

The film explores systemic oppression, the cycle of abuse, and how trauma is passed through generations. By setting it during the Duterte regime and the Marawi crisis, it highlights the struggles women face in a violent, patriarchal society.

How has Montadina shared her film with different communities in the Philippines?

Montadina has worked with NGOs and activist groups to make her film accessible to communities on the front lines of fighting for women's rights. These screenings, which were often emotional and triggering, have sparked important conversations about sexism and gender equality.