Guest Post by Susan Bay Nimoy
In 1979 I was one of six women in the Directors Guild of America that confronted the male-run Hollywood machine by demanding more directing opportunities for women. You already know how that went — 39 years later it is sad that women are still fighting for parity, but absolutely exhilarating that today we are stronger and more resolved, and it looks like real change is finally coming to Hollywood.
So, you might understand why if someone told me that at 75 years old I was going to write, direct, and star in a short film that would be accepted to compete at Sundance — the top independent film festival — I would have never believed it. Yet that is exactly what happened.
It all started when my husband of over 30 years, Leonard Nimoy, died. I was paralyzed by grief and longing for him and our constant conversations. A dear friend urged me to start writing, which turned into my salvation. I started writing a diary, with each entry beginning, “Dear Leonard.” I would tell him how I felt, what I did, what I couldn’t do, what I was frightened about, how the children and grandchildren were coping. The writing was cathartic and healing.
After several months my “Dear Leonard” was morphing into a short story about a protagonist named Eve, who, like me, was a woman of age dealing with loss, grief, sexual passion, and renewal — a story one rarely sees in the media.
My close circle of friends read my writing and were instantly supportive, providing encouragement and notes that enriched my storytelling.
What happened next is what fairytales are made of. I met director/cinematographer Jim Frohna, and his wife, producer Diana Kunce, at a dinner party. We struck up a conversation and talked about the nature of women’s stories, my script about a woman of age, and the changing culture of filmmaking. Shortly thereafter we kicked off pre-production on “Eve.”
The only bump in this fairytale came two days prior to the start of principal photography. Our lead actress was not comfortable with some of the demands of the part and decided not to play the role. “Eve” called for a mature actress who was not afraid to reveal her body.
It was difficult to find a seasoned actress to replace her who had not had plastic surgery. I realize it’s not easy to see our young self transition to an older self, especially since Hollywood is all about looking young.
Upon my producers’ prodding, I agreed to play Eve. I bared my soul, and in doing so exposed my wrinkles, lines, dark circles, grey hair, and breasts — all of me. Of course I was terrified, but if I didn’t take on the role I’d lose the opportunity to tell the story I wanted and needed to tell.
There is a nasty message out there that tells us age is ugly — that it’s something to hide, undesirable, and unsexy. It’s time to change that message.
Our goal with this project is to show naturally aging women as multi-dimensional, vibrant, complex, and sensual. Given the recent — and much-needed — spotlight on women in Hollywood, I want to send the message that women can face aging not with fear or self-loathing, but rather with the belief that age is a passage. It doesn’t define us.
It’s also worth noting that 38 percent of Sundance 2018 programming consists of features, shorts, and documentaries made by women. Change is on the horizon, and for women of all ages. I’m grateful to be a healthy 75-year-old woman who is excited about what lies ahead. And I’m still writing “Dear Leonard,” and I always will.
“Eve” premieres at Sundance Film Festival today, January 23.
Susan Bay Nimoy is a filmmaker, writer, actress, and art institutional philanthropist. She began her career as a theater and film actor. Later she went behind the camera working as a producer, TV director, and documentary filmmaker. Her credits include “Twyla Tharp,” “Liza Lou,” and “Mother Jones.”
