Set against the backdrop of the OxyContin crisis, ‘Leah’s Choice’ unravels the true tale of Leah, a young woman entangled in a poignant queer love triangle. Caught between her soulmate and her best friend amidst her struggle with addiction, Leah’s journey is a harrowing blend of deep love and intense pain. Her story poses a thought-provoking dilemma: In the transformative journey of life, is it the profound depths of suffering or the overwhelming force of love that shapes us more? Or, ultimately, are they one and the same?

CAST LIST:

Narrator: Steve Rizzo
Maggie/Elderly Lady: Hannah Ehman
Leah: Julie Sheppard
Gab: Val Cole

Get to know the filmmaker:

1. What is your screenplay about?

"You Are What You Love" delves into the life of Leah, a young woman battling opioid addiction amidst a complex queer love triangle involving her soulmate Junie and best friend Maggie. Set against the backdrop of the opioid crisis, the story navigates through themes of love, betrayal, and the search for identity. It's a poignant exploration of how deep emotional connections and personal struggles shape our journeys towards self-discovery and healing.

2. What genres does your screenplay fall under?

The screenplay can be categorized under Drama, Romance, and LGBTQ+. It intricately blends elements of emotional drama with the nuances of romantic relationships, set within the context of LGBTQ+ experiences and struggles.

3. Why should this screenplay be made into a movie?
"You Are What You Love" is a vital narrative in today's world where the story around opioid addiction is overwhelmingly grim, with the number of deaths rising annually. This screenplay offers a different perspective, one of hope and resilience, particularly in the queer community where such stories are underrepresented. Its raw and authentic portrayal of addiction, intertwined with the complexities of LGBTQ+ relationships and mental health challenges, provides a narrative that is not only deeply personal but also universally relevant. This film has the potential to bring light to the struggles faced by many, encouraging empathy, understanding, and a much-needed conversation about recovery and hope amidst the opioid crisis.

4. How would you describe this script in two words?

"Emotionally Resonant." This script strikes a chord with its heartfelt exploration of human emotions, relationships, and the struggles that often go unseen. It's a story that stays with the audience long after the credits roll, inviting reflection and understanding.

5. What movie have you seen the most times in your life?

"Gia" and "Girl Interrupted" have been my go-to films more times than I care to admit. As a young queer girl, these movies resonated deeply with me, making me feel less alone. They've profoundly shaped my perspective. "You Are What You Love" is, in many ways, a contemporary amalgamation of these two incredible films. It carries similar themes of complex female characters navigating their personal struggles and identities.

6. How long have you been working on this screenplay?

I've dedicated a little over a year to this screenplay. It's been not only a fantastic learning curve but also a deeply therapeutic journey. Writing it has allowed me to process and articulate experiences and emotions in a way I hadn't before.

7. How many stories have you written?

This is my first venture into storytelling, a venture deeply rooted in my personal life journey. Prior to this, I never envisioned myself as a writer, but I've come to realize that pain, often a profound teacher, can reveal hidden talents and ignite new passions within us.

8. What is your favorite song? (Or, what song have you listened to the most times in your life?)

Jeff Buckley's rendition of "Hallelujah" is a song I keep circling back to, time and again. Seems I'm drawn to art that's emotionally resonant, almost therapeutic. Maybe that's a topic for my next therapy session ;)

9. What obstacles did you face to finish this screenplay?

My commitment to authenticity and truthfulness posed a significant challenge, especially when balancing this with the structural and stylistic norms of screenwriting. The most profound obstacle, however, was navigating the emotional terrain this screenplay unearthed. Writing it meant revisiting and feeling deeply personal and sometimes painful memories.

10. Apart from writing, what else are you passionate about?

My work in substance abuse recovery is a significant part of my life. Helping those who are struggling is immensely important to me. Outside of this, my world revolves around my son, my family, and maintaining an active lifestyle.

11. You entered your screenplay via FilmFreeway. What has been your experiences working with the submission platform site?

FilmFreeway has been an excellent resource. Its user-friendly nature and the abundance of professional support have been invaluable, especially for someone new to screenwriting like myself.

12. What influenced you to enter the festival? What were your feelings on the initial feedback you received?

The push for more female voices in filmmaking and storytelling is something I strongly resonate with and want to contribute to. The initial feedback from the festival was incredibly helpful. I've already incorporated many of the suggested changes, which I believe will enhance the screenplay's impact when it eventually makes its way to the big screen.