… asked Cynthia Ozick in 1997; today it’s an even harder question. “Anne,” from filmmaker Adi Eshman and director Desirée Abeyta, confronts this question head-on. The exchange not only hits on the question of Anne Frank, but also neatly encapsulates the two sides of an ongoing debate today over representation in casting.
…it can feel like the Oppression Olympics. But it’s also effective; with each volley, increasingly uncomfortable, I thought, “Well, that’s a good point — but so is that.”
– Mira Fox, The Forward
ABOUT THE FILM
“ANNE” is a film that aims to explore the nuances within cultural representation, in addition to the importance of why stories like Anne Frank’s continue to be told. Is it more important to accurately “be” something, or to accurately “represent” something? Is “authenticity” synonymous with perception? And as storytellers, how do we define the difference between empathy and appropriation? These are the questions raised through the eyes of two women both “right” for the role.
SUPPORT
We are currently embarking on an ambitious campaign for consideration to the 2023 Academy Awards! Since we have completed our theatrical run (thanks to the support and generosity of Laemmle Theaters) ANNE is now eligible and in need of funds, word of mouth support, and press in order to make this a reality. Please consider donating!
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DonateDonate monthlyDonate yearlyThe TEAM
Adi is a playwright, screenwriter and producer. He is in the third year at USC’s MFA in Dramatic Writing. His works have been read or performanced at NYU, Columbia University, The Tank, Jewish Women’s Theatre, Bowery Poetry Club and Rattlestick Playwrights Theatre. In 2018, his play King Lesbian was a finalist for the Jewish Plays Contest. He also worked as a writer’s assistant on Steven Soderbergh’s experimental HBO drama, MOSAIC. BA: NYU Gallatin. adieshman.net
Desirée is a Telly Award winning actor, filmmaker, and producer, known for exploring social and feminist themes through a hopeful lens. Her debut short film, An Invitation to Tea, was one of 5 recipients of the “Inwood Artworks Filmmaker Grant” in 2019 and has since received several awards including: multiple Audience Choice, Best New Director, and Excellence in Filmmaking awards at various festivals. She has been described as a strong visual artist drawn to diverse and engaging storytelling. She currently moonlights as a creative producer at Vox Media. www.desireeabeyta.com
India is a New York City based Producer and Filmmaker. She holds a Masters in Film Direction from the School of Visual Arts, as well as a Bachelor’s degree in Creative Media from Marymount Manhattan College. India has production experience on Saturday Night Live, The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon, The Food Network, USA Network, and BODEGA Studios, among others. Her latest film The Truck premiered at HBO’s Urban World Film Festival, where it was highlighted as part of their “Young Creator’s Showcase”. www.indiamckinney.com
As a Cinematographer, Austin has shot everything from independent features and television to documentaries and music videos. Her most recent work includes projects for Vice, PBS, MTV, Comedy Central and Showtime. She has been nominated several times for “Best Cinematography” for her work on the series L.A. Macabre, including a current nomination bid for a DAYTIME EMMY. Austin has had the opportunity to work as a Cinematographer all over the world including work in Europe, India and Nigeria.
Natasha is an actor/creator who prides herself on her ability to make people laugh as hard as they cry. She graduated from Marymount Manhattan College with a B.F.A in acting and has worked on a multitude of film and theatre projects. A couple of her most recent works include, “Clark and Lewis: We Discovered America All by Ourselves” (Web-series) and “A Sleepless Play” (Film).
Samanthia is an actress, artist, and graduate of the American Musical and Dramatic Academy of New York. Some of her credits include Richard II, Agonal Dreams, Anne, My Sister’s Wedding, Little Women, Joan of Arc by William Shakespeare, Sunday on the Rocks, School for Scandal, and The Holloway Picture. www.samanthianixon.com
Get in touch
For information on how to book ANNE for a screening and talkback with the filmmakers, please don’t hesitate to reach out via the contact form!
ANNE 