Private Project

Stunner

A production assistant working in an old-world Italian theater experiences the repercussions of a one night affair with a visiting American director. Shot on location in 35mm

  • Marianne Williams
    Director
  • Marianne Williams
    Writer
  • Dominic Ciccodicola
    Producer
  • Fabrizio Muscia
    Producer
  • Cristina Saccuzzo
    Key Cast
    "Deyo"
  • William Michael Anderson
    Key Cast
    "the Director"
  • Valerio Rinaudo
    Key Cast
    "Andreas"
  • Elena Coco
    Key Cast
    "Cindy"
  • Project Type:
    Short
  • Genres:
    drama, experimental
  • Runtime:
    5 minutes 20 seconds
  • Completion Date:
    March 16, 2023
  • Production Budget:
    8,000 USD
  • Country of Origin:
    United States
  • Country of Filming:
    Italy
  • Language:
    English, Italian
  • Shooting Format:
    35mm
  • Aspect Ratio:
    16:9
  • Film Color:
    Color
  • First-time Filmmaker:
    Yes
  • Student Project:
    No
  • Highland Park Independent Film Festival
    Los Angeles
    United States
    October 7, 2023
    World Premiere
    Best Cinematography
  • ASVOFF15
    Paris
    France
    November 9, 2023
    European Premiere
Director Biography - Marianne Williams

Marianne Williams is a director and cinematographer based in Los Angeles. Her lifelong interest in visual language and symbols and her love of the photochemical process manifests in both her commercial and artistic works. She is a dual citizen of Italy and the USA, an ICFC member and AFI cinematography alumni and guest lecturer who also holds a BA with honors from USC in fine art photography.

Add Director Biography
Director Statement

Stunner examines an all-too-familiar workplace power dynamic set in the timeless, dreamlike space of a crumbling Sicilian theater. Shot on location in Sicily on 35mm film, the theater represents a physical container for the hopes, dreams, and desires of it's occupants, including our protagonist, Deyo. Power and the line between interest and possession is explored in the metaphor of the red scarf, which changes hands to each of the main characters as the film progresses. Shifting between Italian and English language further defines character and the power dynamics between characters.