5 Questions with Sara Silva

1) Can you talk briefly about your background, and how you first got interested in filmmaking?

I studied Theater at UCLA. While I was there I acted in some pretty bad student films, but I was also experiencing a film set for the first time. As an actor I felt like I lacked agency on set. I wanted to have more of a say in the filmmaking process and, especially as a person of color, in the stories that were being told. 

2) What was the initial idea for this project and how did it evolve from there?

Our apartment had just thrown a big party and cleaning up the mess afterwards really scarred me. Why did we just spend what little money we had on alcohol so that strangers could get fucked up and completely trash our home? And we have to clean up after them? I grew up in a Latinx household where I had to do most of the intensive cooking and cleaning for my family, so cleaning up after people really triggers me.

Originally the character Dirt was based on my boyfriend at the time, who was a bit messier than me. I auditioned some guys but ended up casting my best friend Carla instead. Around this time I was starting to explore my queer sexuality so transforming this film into a queer narrative helped me unveil how my need for cleanliness affects my sexuality. 

3) What was the biggest challenge in making this film? And the easiest part?

Overcoming my insecurities constantly. Since this is my first film I feel like I was doubting myself and always looking to other people for approval—I wish I could’ve relied more on my instincts. Easiest part was coming up with the story. It just came to me one day and I wrote it all down and that was it. 

4) What’s a film you’ve seen recently, new or old, that you really loved and why?

Wow I saw Fargo the other day and really loved it. Frances Mcdormand is such a good actor and is so cute.

5) What’s next for you?

I’m so excited for my future!! I want to learn more about film technique so bros don’t have to explain it to me anymore and I’m gonna shoot another film! I’m also writing a play <3

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