ACEFEST 2009

In 1983, I began working with world-renowned director Federico Fellini. First as an assistant, then as an actress, and finally as a fellow filmmaker; an opportunity of a lifetime. The privilege to be invited to live and work in his inner circle, lasted over a decade.

As a result of this remarkable relationship, I co-produced a one-hour documentary based on my experience working as an assistant and actress on Fellini’s final film, “The Voice of the Moon” (“La Voce Della Luna”), starring Roberto Benigni. The documentary, entitled “Towards the Moon with Fellini,” was first screened at Paramount Pictures in 2003. The following year, it won ‘Best Documentary’ at The Golden Gate Fiction and Documentary Festival, 'Best Foreign Film' at the Beverly Hills Film Festival. It screened and was nominated at other prestigious festivals; Sundance, Mumbai, Paris, Seattle, Chicago, and Tiburon in 2007.

In the actual film and subsequent documentary, I play a young journalist from America who comes to Italy to try and get on the set of Fellini’s latest film, to interview the director and stars, and find out the storyline. In the end, we discover that Fellini’s film is ultimately about the unconditional love and trust he gives and receives from his adoring colleagues. It is this chore message that I feel makes the film so very poignant, and it is one I hope to share with today’s young filmmakers.

Kevin Thomas of The Los Angeles Times reviewed the film and wrote,”…‘Towards the Moon’ is rewarding for anyone who has ever loved a Fellini film. Here he is in all his glory, a warm, patrician presence thriving amid a constant swirl of activity and throngs of people, knowing what he wants and how to get it while one suspects no one else really knows what’s going on.”

It is for my love of Fellini and his legacy to the world of cinema that I am currently traveling universities across the country to screen the film and lecture on my experiences. These lectures also include a projection of the graphic novel, “Trip to Tulum,” which is the true story of my travels with Fellini to the Yucatan in 1984 to meet the mysterious author Carlos Castaneda.

I am excited at the possibility to bring the quest for the meaning of Fellini to you. To that end, please contact me to receive a DVD screener of the documentary, along with my personal biography.