Lysa Heslov is a director and producer who, along with her husband Grant Heslov, founded Children Mending Hearts, a non-profit organization dedicated to empowering disadvantaged youth in the U.S. through educational and humanities programs that build empathy and global citizenry. Her producing credits include “Black Circle Boys,” “Attention Shoppers,” and “Bug.” “Served Like a Girl” is her directorial debut.
“Served Like a Girl” will premiere at the 2017 SXSW Film Festival on March 13.
W&H: Describe the film for us in your own words.
LH: “Served Like a Girl” is a about a group of female veterans who vie for the title of Ms.Veterans America and the struggles and obstacles they face as they re-enter civilian life.
It’s a film about facing adversity and coming out stronger on the other side.
W&H: What drew you to this story?
LH: Well, I’m very passionate about female-empowering movies. And I loved the idea of the story of these female veterans lives couched in the Ms. Veteran America competition. It allowed us to show levity and humor while telling heartbreaking stories.
W&H: What do you want people to think about when they are leaving the theater?
LH: I pray they leave feeling hope, and feeling like they have learned something they didn’t previously know while being entertained. I hope our audience loves these women as much as I do.
W&H: What was the biggest challenge in making the film?
LH: Logistically we had to do a great deal of traveling while at the same time raising money. I would say the biggest challenge was that we were always out of money — but somehow we made it.
W&H: How did you get your film funded? Share some insights into how you got the film made.
LH: It was a combination of grants, loans, equity investments, and donations. We had to spread a very wide net and cover all our bases. It was really difficult.
W&H: What does it mean for you to have your film play at SXSW?
LH: I’m so honored I could fall on the ground. It’s the perfect festival for this doc about female veterans. Austin is the largest growing community of veterans. It’s so exciting.
W&H: What’s the best and worst advice you’ve received?
LH: The best advice I received is find a great story editor. The worst advice I received was to quit and give up when I was really depressed.
W&H: What advice do you have for other female directors?
LH: Trust your instincts. Learn how to tap dance, figuratively that is. Don’t be afraid of using your voice and get out of your own way when you need help. Strong is beautiful. Powerful women are sexy.
W&H: Name your favorite woman-directed film and why.
LH: I think Kathryn Bigelow’s “Zero Dark Thirty.” It’s beautiful, tough, and dark. And the protagonist is a strong bad ass woman! Yippee
W&H: There have been significant conversations over the last couple of years about increasing the amount of opportunities for women directors yet the numbers have not increased. Are you optimistic about the possibilities for change? Share any thoughts you might have on this topic.
LH: I’m more optimistic than ever and providing more opportunities for women has become my passion. I think with the recent election we have woken the tiger inside of all of us and are no longer afraid to fight for what we believe in. We don’t have time for petty bullshit any longer.
We are united, strong, and will not be stopped. This core belief encompasses all areas of our lives.
