A Brooklyn teen hides an important secret while on a quest for intimacy and inclusion. Some secrets we should tell. Some questions we should ask.
Director Andrea Williams is currently pursuing an M.F.A. in film directing at NYU's Tisch School of the Arts, where she has produced and directed two 16 mm shorts. Prior to entering NYU, Williams gained film experience through work on independent films, music videos, and student films.
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What inspired you to make this piece?
As I was developing the script, which was originally about a teen's desire to lose her virginity, I learned about young people born HIV+ and was intrigued by their stories and their courage. I thought about their transition to adulthood and how their desires for intimacy are impacted by the disease. I felt it could be a very important and timely story to tell.
Briefly tell us about how you made your film or video: what camera and format did you use to shoot your piece, and what system did you use to edit it? What is your working process? Did you use any special techniques to make this work?
I worked with a talented team to bring this story to life. My DP, Rob Halper, shot on 35mm and my editor William Mack edited on Final Cut Pro. Our goal was to capture a blooming love from a city girl's perspective, and within that the mix of sensuality and grit that's in a New York City summer.
My overall approach to directing is guided by a commitment to truth. Every choice that I make involves asking if it maintains the authenticity of the characters and their world.
On a more specific level, my approach to directing moves from personal work with the script to interactive work with cast, crew and locations. As I move beyond the page, I think about how the setting and location of each scene can enhance the text. If I can, I like to spend time on the set where the shooting will take place. I also like to research the world of my characters by talking to real people who resemble them and visiting real locations that appear in the script. This allows me to bring a greater level of accuracy and authenticity to my work.
The next phase of my prep work involves conversations with my producer and creative team about my vision for the project and their ideas about its realization. This is always a great collaborative space when these folks bring their vision and talents to the table and heighten the creative possibilities for the project.
Shortly after, I begin intensive work with my actors. I start with a cold read of the material followed by a dialogue about what they might bring to it. Next, I'll work with them over time to sculpt the scenes more precisely: exploring key scene beats, character motivation, activity, relationships and blocking. Throughout the process, I take time to connect with them as individuals and to create an environment where they feel comfortable taking risks.
Do you have any interesting behind-the-scenes stories about the making of this particular work?
I was most excited by discovering my lead actress Noelle Gift. My other actors were equally wonderful and yet Noelle stood out because she had no prior acting experience but was able to bring the same level of professionalism, poise and creativity to her work as they did.
What is the relationship between your work as a video/filmmaker and life in the New York metropolitan area?
Unlike many New York City residents, I was born and raised here. I grew up in the South Bronx and Harlem, went to school on the Upper East Side and have worked and played all over the city. When I was young, my mother made a point to take my twin sister and I out to explore the city every weekend; this ingrained my love for the museums, parks, shows, and events that are distinctly "New York." I've also traveled all over the world and that's given me a context to appreciate how dynamic our city is.
What films/videos and makers have inspired or influenced your work and why?
I am influenced most by Charles Burnett, Spike Lee, Maya Deren, the Coen Brothers and Haile Gerima. Charles Burnett for the truth and poetry in his work. Spike Lee for being an innovator and an activist, and for the love of our people that's so evident in his body of work. Maya Deren for challenging the boundaries of time and space in her films and in her life. The Coen Brothers for the characters they conjure, their sense of humor and surrealism. And Haile Gerima, for first inspiring me to become a filmmaker and for opening doors to help me on my career path.
If viewers are interested in obtaining copies of your work for rental and purchase, whom should they contact and at what address and phone number?
They can contact me at:
awilliamsnyu@aol.com or 917-697-5659.
Both deeply compelling and incredibly sweet. Great work.
Beautiful and heart felt.
Beautiful
Subtlety and sensitivity in handling an issue that continues to demand our attention.
Seeing Spoonful of Sugar left me wanting to know more and to learn more. I would love for you to do a sequel.
Iloved it, it;s really a wake up call for everyone.Im sure this is not all I will be seeing from you.
A great piece on an important subject.
“Inspirational”: as seen by another native Harlemite…
***** [5 Stars!!]
This was quite good. Very telling of the times we are living in. There is a generation of children and teens living with HIV, and these are some of the situations that they could face. Are all mature enough to tell without the fear of stigma or gossip? Well done film. The ending is interesting, it can go in so many ways. Thought provoking.
#1Benno Says:
August 29th, 2007 at 10:42 am
I thought no one know how difficult it was being me; thank you. I don’t know you but I Love you. “Stay telling the truth…”
signed, blue green is really green
A very thoughtful film.
Hi Andrea,
The first time I saw your film, I was avid fan of the subject and the prospective. I have been dying to know about the creator. Not that it matters, but I felt the film was very unique in that, as your rightfully, put it advocated and honored an experience often invisible or peripheral to the larger discussion of AIDS impact on black Americans. I am definitely interested in any of your work that tackles the intractable issues of pubescence, poverty-stricken community, race, gender and HIV/AIDS.
THANK YOU…
This film was a truely delight to see
you go girl!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
So thought-provoking. I was moved to a higher understanding of those living with HIV and AIDS. Thank you.
The young man, Raul, sure has some film presence. He should be on the big screen. Good topic. We would like to see him more.
Raul represents all the asthma people out there and shows that he should take medication before haveing sex. On a serious note, Silvestre is a promising star and it is only a matter of time before we see him on the silver screen. Powerful film.
I appreciated the thought-provoking nature of the film, especially Patrice’s unique perspective as the offspring of someone who had contracted HIV.
There is allowance in the film to experience so many reactions: concern, sympathy, judgement, remorse, love, regret, etc. Really begs for a discussion on responsibility, courage, faith and understanding.
Loooove it! Very touching!! A good message for HIV/AIDS awareness campaigns
Real serious flick….well put together…wish it were longer….would’ve liked to see more of the conversation with Patrice and her mother. She seemed to dismiss her feelings…but then again, isn’t that what happens in real life…Great job, Sis…look forward to more!!!!
This film was excellent. It had a great message for all of us, especially for people who are HIV and Asthma suffers. The story line was great and the acting was very powerful. Ms. William will definitly be a great director and producer one day and should be given a chance to make this into a major film. I pray that this will happen one day soon.
Smart, thoughtful film about an important topic. Powerful and well done.
VERY POWERFUL, MS. WILLIAMS IS A STRONG INSIGHTFUL WRITER DIRECTOR. THIS SHOULD BE AN AFTER SCHOOL SPECIAL, THAT DON’T JUDGE A BOOK BY IT’S COVER.
Beautfully done! love it. good message.
I am a newly published romance author and I could appreciate the story, the writing, the acting, and the subject. I am moved by romance in any form but the emotional connection that young adults form is what makes or breaks us. It would be nice to see people be that honest prior to sexual intercourse and to engage in deep emotional exchanges beforehand.
Loved it, hope to see it as a full length feature.
Jac….
This is a wonderful film. It was succint and the message came across very well.
Ms. Bassey shows a great deal of maturity and is able to say very much without saying anything at all. The movie was well done and no scene was wasted.
This film is crazy and awesome. Feels like it came right off a book.
pretty powerfull, some questions need to be asked!Great message.
This was really well done as well as a really touching story. I look forward to seeing more of you’re work.
Raul (Silvestre Rasuk) is such a great actor in this film. He has achieved so much since Raising Victor Vargas. If you guys haven’t seen that movie you should check it out. It’s amazing to see someone grow into such a handsome young man. I would love to see him in some future works and I wouldn’t mind meeting him in person too ; )
Silvestre if you get this message…holler at me ; )
wow.
i was just searching for images of “teenage love” in google for a school project and i found this picture- this still from the movie. i was IMMEDIATELY drawn into it. that image i think captures it all so perfectly. intimate. the pain, bliss, joy and sorrow of teenage romances.. its a beautiful film. im so glad i came across it. i will share it with all my friends.. well done.
awww “U is for uncover… hope you like what you discover.”
This was so powerful and moving …. I luv your work!!
is raul suppost 2 be dominican or something
Well put together
Very well written and edited.I really enjjoyed waching. Best spen 18 minutes of this day. Thank You. I hope to See more of Andrea Williams work.
Wow nice story line. I could not predict the ending. I thought she was with child at first. Thank you for not being a run of the mill video. Great job! Give us more!
No one could actually say exactly what is in the mind of any child. No one knows the ‘wounds’ young people carry along in their minds.
This film sparkle my imagination. It showcased a good artistry of a quality work. I salute everyone that brought this to life and most especially, the film writer and creator; “Andrea Williams”, who happens to be the “giant” of the “giants” in this genre.
Great movie.. good reversals! The movie kept me hooked for 18 minutes.. Great job.
WOW!… that was really good! absolutely a well spent 18 minutes. I looked for Silvestre Rasuk on a hunch because Raising Victor Vargas is one of my favorites, and it stars his brother Victor. Knowing Silestre was in that as well i wanted to see some of his other work. He was excellent. I love independent film… the creativity and the realness always leave me wanting more. I think this would be an awesome full length film. Great Job!
WOW!… that was really good! absolutely a well spent 18 minutes. I looked for Silvestre Rasuk on a hunch because Raising Victor Vargas is one of my favorites, and it stars his brother Victor. Knowing Silvestre was in that as well i wanted to see some of his other work. He was excellent. I love independent film… the creativity and the realness always leave me wanting more. I think this would be an awesome full length film. Great Job!
What a great film with a real message!!! Outstanding job by Andrea Williams & cast – keep up the good work!!!! You’ve got my support
What camera was used and what was the budget? Thank you.
that was gud…
i think they shud amke it in to a real movie…
this need to be seen by everyone…
this film is the greatest film that i have seen that touches on this subject. I would like to get a copy of it if possible.
Excellent film!
HI!!! wooow u have ur own page….and 46 messages! Great job, do you want me to send the link to dad?
this was very great. its something that needs to be shown everywhere to us young kids.
that was sooo deep and made me reallly think about the value of life, people need to know that sex comes with consequences as well as pleasure
Love this film
i love this film nice job
beautiful
pure simplicity of the film that prsents the complexity of this diesease and the pressures followed
stunningly great ~
This is an AWESOME DOCUMENTARY. I have been trying to order this to show to our young adults for over a year now and have had no luck. I wrote a review on this documentery, over a year ago, when I first saw it. I think it is an awesome Sex Education tool that should be in the schools. Could someone please assist me. I would grealy appreicate it.
A soft, thoughtful, informative film. I clearly understand how we can impact the lives of others with decisions we make in life.
this is a great movie (educational & eye opening) seen it 5 times already! lol