Exploring Intimacy and Mental Health in Filmmaking: A Discussion with Eva Victor and Adele Romanski at the Edinburgh International Film Festival
Eva Victor and producer Adele Romanski, along with comedian Rose Matafeo, participated in an event at the Edinburgh International Film Festival. The event focused on discussing Victor's acclaimed film, which follows a literature professor named Agnes as she copes with a traumatic event. Agnes finds support from her best friend Lydie, who reveals she is pregnant via a sperm donor. The film received positive reviews at Sundance and was later picked up by A24 for a theatrical release.
During the discussion, Matafeo highlighted the importance of having both an intimacy coordinator and a mental health coordinator on set. Romanski mentioned the lack of mental health coordinators in the industry and emphasized the need for such support to ensure the well-being of the cast and crew. Victor shared insights from the film's intimacy coordinator, Kayleigh Kane, on creating intimate scenes that prioritize comfort and safety.
The conversation also touched on the challenges of making a feature film in the current industry landscape. Romanski expressed concerns about the financial risks involved in producing films with larger budgets, noting the uncertainty in the theatrical market. Despite the challenges, the filmmakers emphasized the importance of supporting diverse voices and unique storytelling in the industry.
Overall, the event provided valuable insights into the filmmaking process and the importance of prioritizing mental health and safety on set. The Edinburgh International Film Festival continues to showcase innovative and thought-provoking films, highlighting the talent and creativity of filmmakers from around the world.