OPA, 9min., USA, Drama
Directed by Merivelle Hannah
A teenager facing an unexpected pregnancy and the conflict it causes with her father and the healing that follows.

http://www.merivelle.net/
https://instagram.com/merivelle

Get to know the filmmaker:

1. What motivated you to make this film?
My motivation for making this film was for applying to Loyola Marymount University. I wanted to show how a young woman has the power to make her own choices, even when they are the harder choice and still have successful outcome. Also to show an interesting dynamic between a daughter and father that have a toxic relationship which then has a healing result.

2. From the idea to the finished product, how long did it take for you to make this film?
I started working on the idea in June and then completed filming in August right before I left for college in NYC: I finished editing in November since I took a break from it because of school.

3. How would you describe your film in two words!?
Empowering hopeful

4. What was the biggest obstacle you faced in completing this film?
Finding availability with the main actor and scheduling the shoot.

5. What were your initial reactions when watching the audience talking about your film in the feedback video?
I knew I did my job as a filmmaker because what I was trying to convey came across to the audience.

6. When did you realize that you wanted to make films?
When I was eight years old I knew I wanted to make films.

7. What film have you seen the most in your life?
Goodfellas

8. What other elements of the festival experience can we and other festivals implement to satisfy you and help you further your filmmaking career?
I think the most important thing is to have my film introduced to people in the industry and have a platform where the public can view it.

9. You submitted to the festival via FilmFreeway. How has your experiences been working on the festival platform site?
It is the only site I have ever used and feel like it exposes me to many festivals I would never have known about otherwise.

10. What is your favorite meal?
Breakfast burrito

11. What is next for you? A new film?
I am currently working on my second semester film, The Sitdown, which I will also be submitting to film festivals.
On April 22nd, my first semester film, "Codependent on Desire" will be screened at the Chinese Theater during the Beverly Hills Film Festival.