My First Film is an experience unlike any other, where the boundaries of life and art imitate each other so closely that it’s hard to tell where reality stops and fiction begins. Centered around a retelling of history from personal experiences, filmmaker Zia Anger draws inspiration from her past, and the failed development of what would have been her debut film. Channeling that heartache and frustration into artistic expression, Anger dramatizes her experience into this true feature debut, aptly titled My First Film.

An Indie Film Descends Into Chaos

“This probably shouldn’t be a film…” says Vita (Odessa Young) as she types on her computer. Narrating through voiceover, the young filmmaker, meant to resemble director Zia Anger, sets the stage for the difficult journey we the audience are about to embark on with her. She speaks in hindsight, as most of the film takes place 15 years earlier. Vita recounts having to beg, borrow, and steal to get $5,000 to make her semi-autobiographical first feature. Nothing was going to get in her way of making this movie. Well, almost nothing.

Watch My First Film trailer here.

Fifteen years earlier: Energetic and brimming with passion, Vita assembles a group of friends to help her shoot the semi-autobiographical film, “Always All Ways, Anne Marie”, a story about a young woman from a small town who gets pregnant and decides to leave home. A novice director in every sense of the word, Vita’s eagerness can’t compensate for her inexperience. Through no fault of anyone in particular, except for maybe the stoner crew members, the indie production quickly descends into chaos. On-set tension with her friend and lead actress Dina (Devon Ross) makes their relationship uncomfortable. Her well-meaning but distraction-prone boyfriend causes many derailments, which only increases Vita’s resentment toward him. And when a near-fatal accident threatens one of the key cast members, Vita knows her dream project has officially unraveled and appears lost forever.

Set to an Abstract Score by Perfume Genius

Anyone who has spent time on a film set, professionally or in college, will feel nostalgic watching My First Film. Zia Anger captures those small but essential moments, when you’re low on sleep, short on money, and spending hours a day hanging with friends. It’s a magical time that doesn’t come without its complications, including relationship dynamics. Perfume Genius (Michael Alden Hadreas) lends his whimsical artistry to the score as the film’s composer. The breathiness and light vocals further contribute to the film’s overall sense of intimacy.

Takeaway

Zia Anger touches on a deeply personal and sensitive moment in her life in My First Film. It feels cathartic to watch, and I can only imagine how therapeutic it was to make. Much like how Dina expresses herself in ways that Vita is afraid to, Vita acts as a vessel for Anger to explore deep, unearthed emotions. My First Film is a reflective critique of artistic truth. Through intricate and fearless storytelling, this labor of love stands as a powerful statement from an exciting director we should keep on our radar.