Filmmaker Zia Anger takes an innovative approach to exploring her artistic journey in the new movie “My First Film.” Rather than telling a straightforward narrative, the film blends behind-the-scenes footage, fictional scenes, and commentary to examine Anger’s experience making her debut feature over a decade ago. Starring Odessa Young as a character named Vita who represents Anger, the movie follows Vita’s struggles completing her movie amid personal and work challenges.
At its core, the film focuses on Anger’s unsuccessful first movie from long ago. That project never found success on the festival circuit. Now, Anger looks back on that time and her emotions through “My First Film.” She combines memories with new material to chronicle the messy process of creation. Young immerses herself in the role of Vita, blurring the line between acting and channeling real feelings.
Anger wanted to create a unique tapestry showing the experience of art-making. She mixes footage from her old movie with scenes where Young portraying Vita at work. The director also includes moments breaking the fourth wall to directly address the audience. This blending of styles examines creativity, failure, and self-expression from many perspectives.
Within the fictional scenes, Vita tackles themes of identity and womanhood. She navigates challenges facing an independent filmmaker and an unexpected pregnancy. Anger incorporated parts of her background raising by same-sex parents into complex issues of storytelling and personhood. The film features a key abortion scene conveying the director’s view that making tough choices empowered her life. Young said playing this moment deeply moved her by the end of production.
While “My First Film” touches on the fear of failing, Anger sees the movie itself as overcoming that fear. By revisiting old hardships and reworking them artistically, she prevailed in her efforts. Critics praise the unique approach, though some find the metaphorical elements occasionally overshadow the core narrative. Overall, the film offers a personally revealing window into the artful process of rebuilding one’s story.
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