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What happens when you lose your job in NY city right before you travel back home to TX for a close friend’s wedding? Well you meet someone at the pre-party of course and find out “There Is A New World Somewhere.” Eager for a new adventure, Sylvia (Agnes Bruckner) ditches the wedding and takes off for a road trip of the south and finds out the meaning of “look before you leap.”
The IDEAL mag caught up with director Li Lu and lead actress Agnes Bruckner to get more insight on this compelling indie film, which is Li Lu’s debut feature. During the film screening, I noticed a very artistic component of Sylvia’s red nail polish, in that the chipping of it changed over time. Li Lu stated, "Her chipped nail polish represents a deterioration of Sylvia's creative drive and self-confidence. All of us look best when we feel vibrant and fulfilled. Her nails are a small way for the audience to understand her initial attempt to create a facade of confidence but ultimate fall into a weary depression.” When Bruckner was asked what she found intriguing about her character, she stated, "I liked her openness and I like her vulnerability.” Bruckner, who began acting at the age of 12 found the romantic scenes pretty challenging. She shared, "They were so raw and real it took a lot to just let go and be in the moment.”
Many movies have a “do not try this at home component,” and when asked, Brucnker stated, "Hmmm, maybe don't jump in a car with a guy you don't know at all so quickly (laughing out loud).” A very good point and what would seem to be a lesson we should be open to learning. Advise from Bruckner is welcomed, as this seasoned actress has learned a think or two during her time on TV shows such as “24”and “Private Practice,” two of my favorites of all time. While Bruckner’s character in this film appears to enjoy the freedom of not knowing what is to come, she also learns the perils of what being oblivious can create. Li Lu noted, "I make films in an attempt to understand things that I am curious about. I wanted to show the inner struggles of two lost souls, each at their own stage of disconnection, while reflecting the spirit and landscape of the South. TIANWS aims to capture not only the thrill of love and adventure, but also intense moments of introspection. As a reaction to our frenzied culture where immediacy pervades every facet of our lives, I wanted to make a film that focuses on powerful stillness, unafraid to linger on the precious moments of pause in one's life. Abundant in passion but lacking in ways to physically manifest it, this story was a way for me to try to understand myself and fight my own self-doubts ."
This film definitely allows the audience to think and have dialogue in their heads as they watch and move along with Sylvia and Esteban (Maurice Compte) throughout the film. It allows for moments of “wow, I wonder how that feels,” and “that may not end so well.” Whatever your inner dialogue says, Li Lu hopes that her viewers can connect to the characters on some level. Here is what she shared with us about what she hopes happens...."I hope audiences can see a lot of themselves in each of the characters. The main message of the film is to inspire others to keep trying to achieve their dreams, however impossible they might seem. I believe that everyone is creative, so therefore everyone understands the feeling of inner turmoil when we cannot produce our best work or express ourselves in the right way. It's a challenging film because it forces the audience to reevaluate their own lives and their life choices while watching it. However, I hope that it's a film that will linger in their minds after seeing it and plant some seeds of inspiration."
Li Lu moved to the USA at the age of 5 from China and has learned many lessons along the way which have helped shaped her film making process. "The strongest lesson that I'll always carry with me is to always trust my instincts, on all levels. If something feels right, then go for it 100%. If a situation feels inauthentic or a recommendation untrustworthy, it probably is. This being my first feature, I was told by lots of older and more experienced people about what I could and could not do. I soon found that there are really no rules to anything - only the rules you set up for yourself,” said Li Lu. This energy is found in the film, as Sylvia is seen taking risks and ultimately finding herself at a crossroad.
In general, Li Lu hopes to promote diversity, as this China to Texas to Los Angeles filmmaker has seen many walks of life and hopes to help make an impact. "I lead color-blind casting sessions...I am a female Chinese American filmmaker and although the current discussions around diversity have been groundbreaking and overdue, there has been an interesting counter-conversation about what stories we “diverse” filmmakers are allowed to tell,” said Li Lu. "Must we be punished for going “off the reservation” and be limited to tell one kind of story... Or can we move on and realize that we bleed the same blood and feel the same emotions?” Very well put. During this time in history in the making, right now, where restrictions and boxes that have been placed around some are being challenged and adjusted, and others thought to have disappeared have revealed themselves as simple invisible but prominent, it is empowering to know there is an artistic woman of color filmmaker, whom is also color blind to creativity and passion.There Is A New World Somewhere is now out on Video on Demand, IVOD and DVD. Additionally, there are a few remaining cities with theater showings. To get tickets for the remaining showings listed, and to learn more about the film, visit their website:
http://www.tianws.com/screenings If you are interested in having this film come to your city, connect with them at tianws.film(at)gmail(dot)com
A very special thanks to Jonah Blechman of PotentPR.
OURAY, CO
• 8/10/16 @ Wright Opera House.
ST. JOHNSBURY, VT
• 8/12/16-8/18/16 @ Catamount Arts Center.
LAS CRUCES, NM
• 8/31/16 @ Allen Theaters, Cineport
DURANGO, CO
• 8/31/16 @ Allen Theaters, Gaslight.
FARMINGTON, NM
• 8/31/16 @ Allen Theaters, Animas.
ROSWELL, NM
• 8/31/16 @ Allen Theaters, Galaxy
