Another Saturday, 14min., USA
Directed by J.A. DellaRipa
A young teenager decides to enjoy a day of fun with her crush only to return home to find her worst fears realized.

Get to know the filmmaker:

What motivated you to make this film?
The increase of mental health struggles especially in young children motivated me to make a film that shows that they are not alone if they have someone in their life struggling with mental health issues. Then the slowing of the industry during the 2023 strike allowed me to use the time to get the cast and crew together to make this film.

2. From the idea to the finished product, how long did it take for you
to make this film?
I first wrote about this subject in a short story roughly 20 years ago. Over Covid, I turned it into a short script. The script was then nominated at the 2022 City of Angeles Film Festival. A year later with adjustments, we shot in December 2023.

3. How would you describe your film in two words!?
Innocence Lost

4. What was the biggest obstacle you faced in completing this film?
The biggest obstacle was coordinating schedules of the cast and crew in pre and post production. Originally, we scheduled to shoot in October, but due to changes in cast and crew, we had to push the shoot to December.

5. What were your initial reactions when watching the audience talking
about your film in the feedback video?
I felt very proud because the audience's comments and reactions showed me that the film's message and vision were understood. I was overwhelmed with joy to hear their compliments about the actors' deep and authentic performances, the beautiful score, the creative editing, and the quality of the cinematography.

6. When did you realize that you wanted to make films?
Back in high school, I subscribed to the Turner Classic Movie magazine because I loved reading about the movies of the 30s and 40s. I knew then that I wanted to be a film major in college which was a great experience working both behind and in front of the camara. With a few career detours over the course of my life, I have returned full circle to my first love and interest for film and the creative arts.

7. What film have you seen the most in your life?
The Outsiders (1983) is one of my most favorite movies that I watch over and over. I first read the book in my 7th grade English class which happened to be the same year the movie came out. Some scenes in my original script paid homage to The Outsiders.

8. What other elements of the festival experience can we and other
festivals implement to satisfy you and help you further your
filmmaking career?
The whole experience has been so helpful to me as a filmmaker. If any additions would be implemented, I'd suggest a continual pathway to connect to mentors in the industry.

9. You submitted to the festival via FilmFreeway. How has your
experiences been working on the festival platform site?
It was a wonderful experience. The platform is easy to use and all the information about film festivals is easily accessible. All of one's submissions, deadlines, and reviews are conveniently in one place which helps with multiple submissions and projects.

10. What is your favorite meal?
Lasagna that I make from my Nonna's recipe.

11. What is next for you? A new film?
I am currently working on a documentary about my dad, Luigi DellaRipa who is 90 years old and still works as a tailor.