The Acting Win Wasn’t Mentioned In The Media Much…
I did see the winners written up, but, only films made the lists I read.
There was a mention in a Hollywood Reporter article, so I checked at the LA Film Fest website.
A Young Actor Was Chosen
His name is Shayne Topp, and I happen to have a few photos that I took myself, with my iPhone.
I wasn’t going to see this film, at first.
The description reads:
As sweet and colorful as a snowcone, this delightful happy-sad confection…
Uh. That just made me turn the other way.
Until, everyone that I asked for a narrative film recommendation there, said this one.
Dear Lemon LI-ma.
Then I met the Producer in the Ladies Room.
I told her about how everyone was recommending the movie.
They didn’t have any distribution at that time; and I hope they got some, by now.
So, I did get to see the movie when they added an extra screening, due to demand. I was lucky to get in, the theater was full.
The director and actors spoke from the stage.
The director, Suzi Yoonessi, also wrote the screenplay…In 2000.
She used her own diary from when she was a 13 year old girl, and her sister’s…which she said was more interesting.
She wrote 25 full drafts before the final script, of ‘Dear Lemon Lima’.
Then she cut 20 pages, just before shooting. In 2008.
The Description In The Film Fest Program, Is Incorrect.
I didn’t find the movie sweet at all. It was a well-crafted depiction of a life, at age 13. A female life. Girl’s.
Coming-of-age, and a woman said that she was ‘still that little girl inside’. We all are.
Director: A Script Should Come From Various Emotional Truths In Your Own Life
So should acting.
This actor was young, but he was right on target, every beat.
Congratulations to actor Shayne Topp, for getting the prize for outstanding performance in the narrative competition.
And for getting a prize for acting.
For getting a mention in The Hollywood Reporter.
And for shining in a chick flick, that is deeper and more individual than your usual chick flick.
It’s cool of you too, actually; for being in a cooler-than-usual film.
About individuality. Amongst chicks.
Where you acted as a dreamboat; and also a jerk, in subtle strokes.
You managed each stroke, with aplomb. By eeking out an exact-right amount of jerkiness, each time.
Which is what the story hinged on, the arc.
The lead actor, Savanah Wiltfong, whose story it was…wonderful acting, too.
And all the other individuals, that were girls, actors…you too. Great job.
Outsiders. Loved you.
Really good film.
The director gave advice, from the stage.
Just do whatever’s needed.
Seven-eight-nine years, just keep plugging away.
I wish you luck, Dear Lemon Lima.
Break a leg [in those kneesocks]…
See ya in the theaters soon…
Best,
Dana






