"Hot Damn, Am I Lucky" Jess Brunetto Shines with Her Film 'Sisters' at SXSW 2021

Hidden secrets cause tension when two estranged sisters are forced to confront each other while preparing for their ailing mother's death. Sisters is the incredibly relatable but bittersweet short film that made its debut at the 2021 SXSW Festival.

Many are familiar with Jess Brunetto as she was a longtime editor on some of the most worthwhile half-hour comedies of the last several years, such as: "Broad City", "Man Seeking Woman” or “Awkwafina Is Nora from Queens.” However, fans will get a new glimpse of her capabilities during her narrative debut as a Writer/Director.

Andy, a self-centered failing actress, returns to her childhood home to find Emily, her older sister whose life is on hold while she cares for their dying mother. Tensions mount as they argue over whether or not to sell their mother's house, but when the two devise a game to divide up the belongings, hidden secrets come to light resulting in a well-intentioned, but ill-fated resolution.

Identify LA got the chance to speak with the incredibly talented Brunetto, behind the film, on her inspiration, growing up in the '80s, and so much more.

Identify LA: How was your SXSW experience and why did you choose SXSW as the premiere festival for Sisters?

Jessica Brunetto: I had a wonderful experience at SXSW 2021! Like everyone else, I was at first curious (maybe even a bit leery) about the festival being entirely virtual, but I think it actually provided an opportunity to connect with more people in more ways you might be able to do at a live event. The SXSW app made it easy to find other filmmakers and watch so many more films than under normal circumstances. Usually, you can only catch a half dozen or so films over a few days at a festival, but we were able to watch three or four features a day and saw every single short (there were so many great films!) Also, SXSW provided a platform for audience members to write you with direct feedback and questions about your film and you could check in periodically to respond, which means your able to connect with a much larger fan base than what you might be limited to in an average Q&A following a screening, which might last only a half hour or so. Hearing so many positive reactions to SISTERS was definitely a festival highlight for sure! 

IDLA: I think the film beautifully portrays the relationship between sisters. Despite the differences, the love as siblings shines through. What was the inspiration behind Sisters?

JB: “SISTERS” was inspired by my oldest sister and brother-in-law providing home care for his ailing mother until her passing. The story of these siblings is a journey of breaking down and then rebuilding yourself with the help of the people who know you best and love you unconditionally. The concrete details of my older sister’s life mixed with some memories of our childhood helped me to incorporate examples of true-to-life humor, which lent the film an authenticity that I hope resonates with the audience.

IDLA: The film is visually stunning, despite the heavy subject. In terms of colors and imagery, how did you come up with the primary colors? 

JB: I grew up in the 80’s and 90’s, a period dominated by neon colors, so when I was writing the script, I envisioned a lot of neon. But then I realized that a primary color scheme would give the film a more timeless aesthetic. I watched Jean Luc Godard’s film “Pierrot Le Fou” a lot during pre production, and that film uses primary colors in such a beautiful and captivating fashion, so that became a big influence for the visual style of SISTERS. 

IDLA: Any behind the scenes moment you can share?

JB: Yes! Even though I always had an idea of how the story would continue after the credits roll, the post credit scene was not in the original script. We were doing a pre-production scout at the location and sat down in the backyard to have lunch and we started talking about how we didn't have anything scripted to shoot in the backyard and suddenly I was like "Wait! We can do a whole other scene back here!" Our production designer (Madelyn Wilkime) ran off and grabbed the necessary props and we were able to use some extra wardrobe choices that our costume designer (Maria Garcia) hadn’t yet used in the movie. We were able to shoot the scene very quickly on the morning of our last day and I'm so glad we were able to squeeze it in. I don't want to spoil it, but it gives the audience a glimpse as to where the story and these characters end up going after the movie ends.

IDLA: The cast was perfect! Sarah and Mary are always spot on when it comes to delivery. How did you know these two would be perfect for this film? 

JB: Putting together the right cast is extremely important to any film, but it also involves a little bit of luck. I’ve been a big fan of Sarah Burns and Mary Holland’s work for years. I find them both insanely funny, but also capable of hitting those serious emotional notes, which can be a tricky line to toe in a comedy, but they totally nailed it. Working in comedy as an editor, I was able to get the script in front of them and then basically crossed my fingers. It turns out that, although Sarah and Mary knew each other, they hadn't had a chance to work together yet. Right from the start they had amazing chemistry. When they both said “yes” I was like "hot damn, am I lucky!"

IDLA: What is the overarching message you hope viewers leave with after watching Sisters?

JB: Somehow, SISTERS feels more relevant now, in the context of a global pandemic, than when we were shooting it. There are a lot of people taking care of aging or ailing family members in the United States, perhaps now more than ever before. I’d want for them to see a movie with heart that they can relate to, but that also makes them smile. That’s my hope.