It’s a sign of her versatility and creativity, being able to write and act. We are talking with the talented actress Stefanie Peti about her first project as a screenwriter and how exciting and potentially promising a step it is in her career. As she gains more experience and takes ownership of her career, she tells us she is looking for the right opportunity to direct her own projects. It takes dedication and hard work to break into the world of screenwriting, but with talent and perseverance, she has the potential to make a name for herself in acting and writing.
Tell us about your new project.
I wrote a script named “Behind the Front.” It’s a movie that revolves around a gripping story of a few characters who are struggling with severe depression, leading them to contemplate suicide for different reasons. The movie follows their journey as they navigate through the dark and turbulent waters of their minds, battling with ideologies of self-harm and hopelessness. It’s not just a movie about suicide but about the larger issues of mental health, self-care, self-love, and the power of community support. My movie aims to shatter the taboo surrounding suicide, depression, and mental illness and emphasizes the importance of seeking help and reaching out to those around us when we need it the most. By exploring the power of human connection and the strength that we can draw from one another, I feel that it conveys an important message we all need. It presents viewers with a powerful tale of resilience, strength, and new beginnings that seeks to motivate and inspire those going through similar experiences. Ultimately, it strives to remind people that help is always available and that, no matter how daunting it may seem, life is worth living.
How do you think the reaction would be to such a strong topic?
Addressing the topic of suicide in a film has the potential to be controversial and emotionally draining as it touches on a sensitive and difficult subject matter. It’s essential to handle the subject matter with care, empathy, and sensitivity to create a film that honors those who have struggled with suicidal ideation and their loved ones. I know exactly how it feels to be the loved one, and that is why I wrote this project in the first place. The theme of suicide is a serious issue, and audiences might have a mixed reaction to it. Some people may be hesitant to watch a film that tackles suicide, while others may view the film as an essential vehicle for tackling difficult conversations that most people avoid. I’ve poured my soul into it with the most responsible storytelling in contribution to society. The film will undoubtedly touch the lives of people who have gone through similar experiences.
What do you expect to achieve personally in your career with this movie?
Honestly, the only expectation I have is that if I can touch just one human being and inspire them to choose life, then my life would be worth it.
I didn’t make this project thinking about what I can gain from it, but rather what I can give.
How do you see the future of your career?
My goal is to write and direct independent films based on real stories and touch the lives of others. I have a very clear vision and a lot of stories that have been living in me for years that I want to tell. As a woman director and writer, I believe that having powerful freedom, creativity, a clear vision, and confidence is essential. There is something so unique in the ability to tell stories from a female perspective, and I think this power is significant. I am a very humble person, so I hope that the future of my career involves being a great leader who will impact different communities with my storytelling. I don’t know exactly where I’m going from here or where my work will take me, but I am ready.