Tribeca Film Festival Writer, Actor Featured at SHORT CUTS on Nov. 10

The Short Cuts Film Festival, a collection of award-winning short films curated from the prestigious Tribeca Film Festival in New York City returns to the Darien Arts Center on November 10th at 7pm. The screening, a JIB Productions event, will be followed by a live, in-person conversation between Olivia Levine, writer of one of the featured films, and Nancy Diamond, producer and host of Short Cuts. This special DAC event presents an opportunity to see award-winning, thought-provoking and buzzworthy films from Darien.

Olivia Levine, a queer actor, comedian and writer based in Brooklyn, received her B.A. in Theatre from Barnard College and received additional training at The Studio/NY, Uprights Citizens Brigade, and The Royal Academy of Dramatic Art (London). In 2020, she did a month-long run of her one-person show, UNSTUCK: A Solo Show About Growing Up With OCD at the Tank NYC. The show was subsequently accepted into the 2020 Edinburgh Fringe Festival. Her film credits include Tallulah opposite Allison Janney, and I Hate Kids with Tituss Burgess and Tom Everett Scott. Olivia also performs standup throughout New York City at venues that include The Bell House, Union Hall, Club Cumming, the Stonewall Inn and more. LET LIV, her first short film, premiered at Tribeca Film Festival 2023. She wrote and starred in the film alongside Christine Taylor (Zoolander, Arrested Development) and Rosaline Elbay (Ramy, Kaleidoscope).

In Let Liv, a young alcoholic woman agrees to attend an AA meeting with her partner. When she unexpectedly runs into her estranged mother, she’s forced to confront demons from her past. It explores the relationship between a mother and daughter affected by generations of addiction. The story examines how alcoholism can wedge a gap between family members, even – and sometimes especially – when they’re struggling with similar issues. For main characters Liv and Judy, shared struggles prime them with a language for mutual understanding and healing, even though their past together is fraught. Ultimately, this story is about how to take care of oneself, and what happens when that process is at odds with taking care of another person you love.

“As the world becomes heavier, it is important to infuse these stories with elements of humor! Addiction is heavy but it can also be funny. We want to help show people that experiences of addiction are not singular and, furthermore, can be infused with moments of joy, humor and hilarity. As someone who grew up going to AA meetings (Olivia), it was important that this film accurately depict just how varied and colorful the rooms of AA can be. This movie is a love letter to our mothers and all the complicated, messy emotions around them.” - Olivia Levine and Erica Rose, director.

Five other short narrative films will be shown at Short Cuts and include:

My Eyes are Up Here, directed by Nathan Morris. In it two first-date lovers are driven by the strengths, flaws and humor of the disabled partner. This film has received press and accolades for depicting disabled people in a romantic story.

Starling, winner of Best Animated Short at the 2023 Tribeca Film Festival, directed by Mitra Shahidi. Starling, the spirit of a mischievous little girl, shoots down from the heavens to spend her birthday with her family. Director Shahidi is a story artist at Pixar and the passing of her childhood friend inspired the story.

A Fox in the Night shares a South London story in which opposites attract, appearances deceive and bravery reaps rewards. Keeran Anwar Blessie serves as director, screenwriter, producer and star of this London Critics Circle Film Awards winner and BAFTA longlisted film.

The Sperm Bank Sperm Bank is a comedic short depicting the true story of writer and star Rob Scerbo, in which 23-year-old Rob, newly diagnosed with stage 4 testicular cancer, must now take the first big step...utilize a cup to protect a future he isn't sure exists. Media has called this a “one to watch” of the festival.

In Konpa by Al'lkens Plancher, features the beautiful story of a young Haitian-American learns how to dance Konpa to impress his crush. Al’Ikens Plancher, a Haitian writer and director, uses the film as a true love letter to his culture.

JIB Productions, a Westport-based not-for-profit arts organization, produces Short Cuts, its annual fall film series and is also known throughout Fairfield County for its flagship lunchtime theater series Play With Your Food.

The DAC Weatherstone Studio is located at 2 Renshaw Road , behind the Town Hall in Darien. Tickets for the Short Cuts Film Festival screening are $25 for adults and $15 for students at darienarts.org. Content is suitable for mature audiences. For questions, call (203) 655-8683.