Mel and Ruby Interview: Julia Manis
“It’s a complex story and relationship, so I want the audience to feel the spectrum of human emotion.”
There’s nothing more exciting to me then getting to see a film go from it’s idea phase to the finished product, ready to be shown to the world. Do I feel like a proud mom? Not really, because I’ve done literally none of the work. Maybe like a distant cool aunt or something?
I should absolutely stop with this terrible baby analogy but it’s also sort of fitting in this case? Because this time last year we interviewed filmmaker Julia Manis about her crowdfunding project Mel and Ruby, a short film about abortion, and now that project is a completed short film! Ready to be born! Okay now I’m done.
Manis created a beautiful and touching short film that is at its best complex. And I mean that in the best way: because abortion is complex. There are feelings and emotions and sometimes it’s an easy answer and other times it isn’t. But whatever it is for you, that’s okay.
That’s really what Manis is trying to get at with Mel and Ruby. We all have our own abortion stories and voices that deserve to be heard.
And it’s even more fitting that we share this new interview with Manis on today, March 4, 2020—the same day that the Supreme Court begins to hear June Medical Services v. Russo, which is challenging a strict anti-abortion law in Louisiana and if upheld it will put everyone’s right to safe and legal abortions at risk.
Born and raised in Southern California! Julia Manis is a highly trained actor who has studied at the prestigious Orange County School of the Arts, USC BFA Acting Program, and Nancy Banks Studio. When she’s not creating, she loves baking, reading, and boxing.
We last talked in March of 2019. Can you catch us up since then?
Julia Manis: It’s been a year!? I can’t believe it. Well, the big news is we finished Mel and Ruby! Thank you again for featuring us on your site. The exposure helped us secure funding and boosted our film’s visibility and audience. Our production was one of the smoothest I’ve ever experienced — all thanks to the love and support we had from our fan base.
Season Two of Fleabag came out and broke all of our hearts. As I said last time, Fleabag was a big inspiration for Mel and Ruby. Phoebe Waller Bridge is an expert at subverting genre and capturing the raw, tangled mess that is the human condition. Watching that show when I was in post-production encouraged me to keep telling my stories. So: this year, I’m looking to start my own production company. Mel and Ruby showed me that I have what it takes to be a multi-hyphenate: actor, writer, and producer. I’m going for it!
2019 was pretty great creatively and personally. I starred in a play at The Road Theatre Company, filmed a hilarious short film by the talented Anna Keizer, and created two dramatic shorts (coming in March). And… I fell in love. I met a wonderful and thoughtful man who has expanded my world. He is endlessly supportive of my creative endeavors and he has the most beautiful heart.
Would you crowdfund again? Is there anything you’d do differently?
JM: I’m pretty proud of our crowdfunding campaign. At the start, a few things were important to me: 1) To stay true to my voice; 2) To learn the art of pitching gracefully; and 3) To gain a passionate fanbase that would be invested in our journey. I can say with confidence that we honored all of these goals. We even had a burlesque fundraiser!! There were drink specials, two performances (by yours truly), and a friggin’ raffle! We raised over $600 in one night! Why burlesque? I feel that burlesque and Mel and Ruby have many things in common: body autonomy, freedom of expression, and empowerment.
Ultimately, we raised 101% of our crowdfunding goal.
One of the great things about Seed&Spark is that they also have a film financing educational program. This is one of the many reasons why I decided to use their platform. They are so helpful, supportive, and resourceful which made me feel secure throughout the entire process. For that reason, I don’t think I would need to crowdfund in the future. Seed&Spark gave me the tools I need to accomplish it on my own. But I would 100% recommend their platform to any filmmaker that’s considering crowdfunding.
I felt A LOT of feelings watching this: apprehension, anger, compassion. What are you hoping viewers come away with after seeing it?
JM: Wow, I am so honored! That’s exactly what I wanted to achieve with this film. It’s a complex story and relationship, so I want the audience to feel the spectrum of human emotion. Most importantly, I want people to feel seen and heard. For most of my life, I have masked my thoughts and feelings because I thought they were too ugly to share with the world. Then I discovered that so many of my friends felt this way too. After that, I knew that I had to tell this story. My hope is that people watch this film and have discussions afterwards — whether that’s to share a piece of their heart or to forgive the past or simply to tell someone that they’re not alone. I want Mel and Ruby to open up your heart to the world. It’s okay. I support you.
When we asked you last time to tell us about why you are a feminist and why it’s important to your filmmaking you said: “It’s simple. I’m a feminist because I believe in equality between the sexes.[…]” Could you reflect on this? Is there anything else you’d add?
JM: Women have been kept out of important rooms for far too long. We deserve to be a part of the conversation. Some progress has been made, which is great. But there’s centuries of injustice to make up for. I will personally dedicate my life to creating and cultivating stories for women-identifying individuals.
As we saw with this past awards season, women directors were completely shut out of the nominations. Clearly there is still a lot of work to be done. With progress, there is always an equal or stronger backlash. Even though we have made some incredible gains with women’s equality, there was an even bigger backlash that tried to silence women. We must stay strong and vigilant and continue to fight for our equality. For example, on March 4th the Supreme Court is hearing June Medical Services v Russo — a Louisiana case that could potentially upend Roe v Wade. The case has to do with certain abortion restrictions — if SCOTUS decides to uphold these restrictions, they would essentially be overruling Roe v Wade. With a conservative majority, it is almost a certainty that they will. Reproductive rights, women’s rights, LGBTQ rights, and human rights are in serious danger. We must not give up the fight. This is an attack on one of our most basic liberties: the right to decide what to do with our body.
This is exactly why I made Mel and Ruby. And I will always fight to protect our right to safe and affordable reproductive care.
Last time we asked you about the best advice you ever received. Now it’s time to give your own advice!
JM: Surround yourself with people that aren’t afraid of your vulnerability. And listen with an open heart when they decide to share their vulnerability with you.
What are you working on next?
JM: On March 22nd, I’m acting in a theatrical performance for a book launch — The Seamstress’ Daughter by Joumana Haddad — at The Odyssey Theatre. It’s directed and adapted for the stage by Nagham Wehbe. Spanning 100 years, it covers four generations of women that are affected by the Armenian Genocide, the Israeli/Palestinian Conflict, the Lebanese Civil War, and the current Syrian War. This play is particularly important to me because I am a quarter Armenian — I am dedicating it to the memory of my Great-Grandmother Alice and my beloved Grandfather Armen. It is an incredible piece and I am privileged to be a part of it.
Also in March, I’m premiering two dramatic shorts that I wrote, produced and acted in. After that, I’m developing an idea for a short film that could be expanded into a feature. And of course, I am starting my festival run with Mel and Ruby. Stay tuned!
If you had one extra hour of free time a day, how would you use it?
JM: Oh man, I would READ. It’s one of my favorite things and I never do it! I tend to overbook myself and, therefore, have very little downtime. When I am relaxing, I often feel guilty or like I’m not “hustling” enough. I miss reading. And it always inspires me — I gain new perspectives that I might never have accessed which fuels me creatively.
What online video makes you laugh the hardest?
JM: I recently rediscovered “Kittens Inspired by Kittens” and it’s so so good. In high school, my friends and I watched this on repeat and would recite the lines constantly. I hadn’t seen it in a few years and I’m happy to say that it is still just as adorable and hilarious.
Finally, recommend another #MUFFApproved film for our blog readers!
JM: Man Up! Easily the best romantic comedy of all time. It has everything you need — a complex female protagonist, lots of heart, and one of the funniest dance scenes ever. Written by Tess Morris and starring Lake Bell. I’m telling you — I watched this movie alone and I was laughing out loud!! I literally had to pause the movie just to laugh.
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with Julia: www.juliamanis.com | Twitter | Instagram
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