3th March – Opening session by invitation only
Bridget (Kelly O’Sullivan) is 34 years old and her life is a disaster. She has no job, no partner, no money or projects for the future. However, when she finds a job working as a nanny for precocious Frances (Ramona Edith-Williams), an adorable 6-year-old girl with two moms, the path towards adulthood and plenitude becomes clearer for Bridget. In addition to starring in the film, O’Sullivan wrote this heartfelt summer story addressing feminist issues. The film, which is also Alex Thompson’s directorial debut, has received an audience award at almost every film festival where it has been screened, namely the prestigious SXSW.
Saint Frances shows how a young directionless woman handles motherhood from a realistic, intimate and, above all, respectful perspective. Partly autobiographical, O’Sullivan tackles taboo topics such as abortion, postpartum depression, and sex, without ever judging or lecturing and with the only intention of truthfully showing what women are facing, in their bodies and their minds, day after day, month after month, year after year. And from that, she conveys a simple and sharp message to all women: together, we are stronger.
In Saint Frances, there is also room for men (fellow millennial allies that are feeling confused vis-à-vis the previous generations), social criticism and LGBT+ marriages and a small girl, Frances, who illuminates the screen every time she smiles and mentions that her babysitter has her period. Thompson and O’Sullivan produced a feature that calls out to all audiences and groups. From Illinois, Saint Frances passes on a message of tolerance, respect, and sisterhood. One of the most moving, enjoyable, realistic and personal films of this edition of Americana that will hold its Spanish premiere.
2019: SXSW – Special Jury Award and Audience Award
2019: Champs-Élysées Film Festival – Prix de la Critique
Year: 2019 Runtime: 106 min Country: USA Direction: Alex Thompson Screenplay: Kelly O'Sullivan Cinematography: Nate Hurtsellers Music: Alex Babbitt, Quinn Tsan Cast: Kelly O'Sullivan, Ramona Edith-Williams, Lily Mojekwu Genre: Comedy/Drama Language: VOSC Subtitles: Guillermo Parra Contact: Flamingo Films