JULIA SCOTTI: FUNNY THAT WAY Interview with Susan Sandler - uplifting transgender stories through filmmaking craft and storytelling
Susan Sandler is the director and producer of JULIA SCOTTI: FUNNY THAT WAY
Why did you make this film?
JULIA SCOTTI: FUNNY THAT WAY is a film about the delightful comedian Julia Scotti who transitioned from being comedian Rick Scotti to her new identity as Julia many decades ago. Her story of joy and truth in becoming her true self is uplifting and inspirational on so many levels to audiences who want to learn about personal growth. During the six-year process of making this documentary, my intention as a filmmaker was to follow Julia’s journey and provide a platform for her to tell her remarkable story with the humor and wisdom that she so richly offers. There was no political agenda for addressing transgender issues, simply an introduction to a beautiful, creative, and funny human being who teaches us the value of being your true self.
What did you learn from the process of making this film?
Beyond the rich personal friendship, I have made with Julia Scotti herself, the deep pleasure we both have found in sharing her story, meeting audiences who have come to love her as a performer and now learn more about her personal history has been wonderful. As a storyteller, I work in both fiction (Crossing Delancey, the classic romcom is my best-known credit) and non-fiction and find that my craft in fiction has been enriched by what I have learned working in documentary. True stories are remarkably nuanced and full of surprises!
Why is it important to you that this film is viewed in an educational context?
Along with my work as a filmmaker, I also teach at New York University in the film program and find that speaking with teachers and students in other communities has offered me a chance to share filmmaking craft and storytelling process, and all that I have learned as an artist and educator through screening and talks around my film JULIA SCOTTI: FUNNY THAT WAY.
JULIA SCOTTI: FUNNY THAT WAY is a film about the delightful comedian Julia Scotti who transitioned from being comedian Rick Scotti to her new identity as Julia many decades ago. Her story of joy and truth in becoming her true self is uplifting and inspirational on so many levels to audiences who want to learn about personal growth. During the six-year process of making this documentary, my intention as a filmmaker was to follow Julia’s journey and provide a platform for her to tell her remarkable story with the humor and wisdom that she so richly offers. There was no political agenda for addressing transgender issues, simply an introduction to a beautiful, creative, and funny human being who teaches us the value of being your true self.
What did you learn from the process of making this film?
Beyond the rich personal friendship, I have made with Julia Scotti herself, the deep pleasure we both have found in sharing her story, meeting audiences who have come to love her as a performer and now learn more about her personal history has been wonderful. As a storyteller, I work in both fiction (Crossing Delancey, the classic romcom is my best-known credit) and non-fiction and find that my craft in fiction has been enriched by what I have learned working in documentary. True stories are remarkably nuanced and full of surprises!
Why is it important to you that this film is viewed in an educational context?
Along with my work as a filmmaker, I also teach at New York University in the film program and find that speaking with teachers and students in other communities has offered me a chance to share filmmaking craft and storytelling process, and all that I have learned as an artist and educator through screening and talks around my film JULIA SCOTTI: FUNNY THAT WAY.
Bring the documentary JULIA SCOTTI: FUNNY THAT WAY and the speakers to your campus + community
