The Fuscos

In the Spring of 2023, a group of women came together for a potluck brunch with the mission to make use of what was predicted to be a long industry strike. We were all still recovering from the residual effects of the COVID pandemic and vowed not to let another unforeseen obstacle get the better of us. As we snacked on our bagels and schmear, one thing became abundantly clear: we wanted to tell a story about women for women made by women.

While developing the story and ultimately the script that became The Fuscos, I personally was undergoing a legal battle with an abusive former partner. To not acknowledge the effects that daily hardship had on the film and the way I chose to direct it would only serve to perpetuate the shame and fear I lived with during this time.

I took extra care to show what each of the women in this film underwent through framing, focus, and coverage of their private, internal moments. Though they were all victims of the same abuser, their individual experiences were different. It was only when these women finally used their voices and expressed to each other the taboo, but nonetheless real suffering they were each going through that they were able to come together to take back control over their lives.

As a group of Italian-American women (with one fish out of water), we specifically chose this era and genre of filmmaking that historically featured stories of men for men made by men as a means to rewrite history for the women in our lives who didn't feel they could open their mouths and suffered in silence. Our mission was to turn the classic mob film on its head.

Three days after we wrapped principal photography, I finally had my day in court where I carried the strength of these characters on my shoulders as I testified against my abuser and where at long last, I won my case.