Suzi Yoonessi is an award-winning Iranian American filmmaker. Her feature credits include “Dear Lemon Lima,” which premiered at the Los Angeles Film Festival, and “Daphne and Velma,” based on the two female super sleuths from “Scooby Doo.” Her other credits include web series “Olive and Mocha” and short film “The Spring of Sorrow.”
“Unlovable” will premiere at the 2018 SXSW Film Festival on March 10.
W&H: Describe the film for us in your own words.
SY: It’s a story about two bleeding hearts finding their way through music.
W&H: What drew you to this story?
SY: The heart and humor. I love comedian Charlene deGuzman’s unique and poignant voice, and the characters are so flawed and so relatable.
W&H: What do you want people to think about when they are leaving the theater?
SY: Hope.
W&H: What was the biggest challenge in making the film?
SY: Being seven-and-a-half months pregnant using a porta potty for 17 days.
W&H: How did you get your film funded?
SY: Half of the film was Kickstarted with the support of family, friends, and Charlene’s star-studded Twitter following, then Mark Duplass kindly offered to match the amount donated to the film.
W&H: What does it mean for you to have your film play at SXSW?
SY: It’s the perfect audience for this music-driven film that stars John Hawkes. He has deep roots in Austin.
W&H: What’s the best and worst advice you’ve received?
SY: Best advice: Trust your instincts.
Worst advice: We’ll fix it in post.
W&H: What advice do you have for other female directors?
SY: Give everything 150 percent because you’re judged by a different set of standards, and your works speaks for itself — everything else is water off a duck’s back.
W&H: Name your favorite woman-directed film and why.
SY: Amy Heckerling’s “Clueless.” Timeless and quotable with so much heart and hilarity!
W&H: Hollywood and the global film industry are in the midst of undergoing a major transformation. Many women — and some men — in the industry are speaking publicly about their experiences being assaulted and harassed. What are your thoughts on the #TimesUp movement and the push for equality in the film business?
SY: I’m wildly supportive of the movement, and it’s about time that there’s change in this industry.
