Heidi Ewing’s documentary credits include “Jesus Camp,” which received an Oscar nomination, “One of Us,” and “Norman Lear: Just Another Version of You.” She recently completed “Love Fraud,” a four-part Showtime docuseries that premiered on Opening Night at the 2020 Sundance Film Festival. She is the co-owner of Brooklyn’s Loki Films. “I Carry You With Me” marks her debut as a narrative director.
“I Carry You With Me” (“Te Llevo Conmigo”) is screening at the 2020 New York Film Festival, which kicked off September 17 and runs through October 11.
W&H: Describe the film for us in your own words.
HE: The film follows Ivan, a young, gay aspiring chef who falls in love for the first time, but leaves it all behind to chase a new life in New York City.
The film is about memory, loss, family, and love through the eyes of an immigrant. It is based very closely on the story of two dear friends of mine.
W&H: What drew you to this story?
HE: After many years of friendship, my two friends told me their story of meeting, falling in love, and eventually coming to the United States, where they are successful business owners. I was floored by what they told me and knew it should be a film.
W&H: What do you want people to think about after they watch the film?
HE: I want them to believe in love again and feel inspired by all that humans can do when put to the test.
W&H: What was the biggest challenge in making the film?
HE: I made the film in Mexico and in Spanish, which is not my native language. I had never directed actors before. Every single thing was a scary leap and the best thing I’ve ever done with my creative life.
W&H: How did you get your film funded? Share some insights into how you got the film made.
HE: The film was funded via a partnership between Black Bear Pictures and Sony Worldwide.
W&H: What inspired you to become a filmmaker?
HE: I saw “Vertigo” by Alfred Hitchcock at the Old Redford Theater near Detroit when I was 10 and could barely speak for days. I couldn’t believe something could grip me so much and alter my mind. It felt so real.
W&H: What’s the best and worst advice you’ve received?
HE: Worst advice: Stay in your lane.
Best advice: Trust your gut and you can’t go wrong.
W&H: What advice do you have for other female directors?
HE: Speak up. Be bold as hell. Make your own opportunities because they will not just land on your lap. Make your own “luck.” And once you get recognition, keep making your own luck!
W&H: Name your favorite woman-directed film and why.
HE: “We Need to Talk About Kevin” by Lynne Ramsay is relentless and perfect in tone and execution. I never stopped thinking about it.
W&H: How are you adjusting to life during the COVID-19 pandemic? Are you keeping creative, and if so, how?
HE: A very blue fish named Dory once said to “just keep swimming,“ and I am doing just that! I’m in production on two docs and development on two features.
W&H: Recent protests in the U.S. and abroad have highlighted racism and anti-Black police brutality. The film industry has a long history of underrepresenting people of color onscreen and behind the scenes and reinforcing — and creating — negative stereotypes. What actions do you think need to be taken to make Hollywood and/or the doc world more inclusive?
HE: I honestly think every production has to not just make commitments to crew diversity but also be held to that promise. The most known producers and studios must do it and model for everyone else. Peer pressure works.
