Below is Synopsis of an Interview-Discussion-Q&A With the Director. Part 2 is in the works.
ON THE OUTS Directed by Lori Silverbush, Michael Skolnik – 20th Anniversary
Cast: Judy Marte, Anny Mariano, Paola Mendoza, Dominic Colón
• Retrospective
From the streets of inner city Jersey City, N.J., three teenage girls cross paths in a juvenile detention center. All victims of poverty, each has her own demons to face. Suzette Williams (Anny Mariano) is a mother-to-be and at 15 years old, without the support of the father. Oz (Judy Marte) is a hard-as-nails drug dealer who uses her tough exterior to mask her more sensitive nature. Already a mother, Marisol Pagan (Paola Mendoza) struggles with drug addiction and maintaining custody of her child.
This Interview-Discussion-Q&A Synopsis prologues the story about the lives of three young women in a correctional facility in Secaucus, New Jersey, highlighting the stark contrast between their substantial potential versus the considerable systemic challenges they face. And it also serves as a modest Who, What, Where, When, Why & How to award-winning Director Silverbush.
In the course of discussion Silverbush said she was curious about how the film, a retrospective, made more than two decades ago, may resonate with contemporary audiences. {This writer believes the screening of ON THE OUTS, as vintage as it it is on some levels, nevertheless, is right on the money in these times of the evolving social and political landscape of America.}
Director Lori Silverbush
Silverbush shared info about the current lives of the film’s actresses, noting their diverse paths, including activism and acting. She expressed concern over the nation’s political climate’s impact on marginalized youth, particularly in light of the despairing mass federal defunding of programs that were successfully helping millions.
She underscored the necessity of fostering community connections for these young women as they will seek support regardless of available resources. Silverbush never wavers on the importance of authenticity and advocacy in her storytelling, and she continues to work on projects – cinematically and otherwise – that address social injustices and highlight overlooked issues.
The interview conversation also succinctly touched on her life journey, from aspiring lawyer to aspiring filmmaker, detailing her experiences in film school and her dedication to storytelling. She discussed her collaborative approach to script writing and her resistance to current political trends, including her efforts to support electoral candidates.
Additionally, Silverbush addressed the critical issue of food insecurity*, in the country emphasizing the need for policy changes to support affected families.
Director Silverbush said Secaucus, New Jersey, was selected because of its proximity to New York City and the stark contrast in opportunities for the young women there. She and her collaborators wanted to use their privilege to amplify the voices of these women, who shared their powerful stories once trust was established.
Silverbush reflected on her experiences with young women in youth incarceration, highlighting their potential and the inadequate educational support they receive. She criticized the system for prioritizing mere supervision over genuine instruction which she said resulted in the girls feeling marginalized. Silverbush also commented on the current administration’s defunding of supportive programs, suggesting that this exacerbates the challenges faced by these youth.
Lori Silverbush provided updates on colleagues from the film, noting that Paola Mendoz is now a writer and activist, while Judy Marte remains a successful actress. Silverbush mentioned Anny Mariano’s role in organizing the interview and her work in PR. She expressed a desire to catch up with the cast after two decades apart.
Activism and Storytelling in Documentary Filmmaking: Lori Silverbush spoke of her experiences as an activist and filmmaker, particularly her documentary on hunger in the U.S. She reflects on the paradox of food abundance alongside widespread food insecurity, attributing the issue to political and policy failures. Silverbush expresses pride in the impact her work has had on policy discussions surrounding hunger.
Silverbush journey into the filmmaking began with her dropping out of law. She volunteered on filmmaker friends’ projects and worked full-time to pay living expenses while attending NYU Film School Her early work and efforts led to opportunities in directing and writing, eventually attracting representation in Los Angeles.
Lori Silverbush described her ongoing resistance to political issues, particularly fascism, and her active participation in electoral politics. Additionally, she mentioned her recent venture into horror filmmaking as a means to address social commentary.
*Food Insecurity in America: Silverbush pointed out that many working families face food insecurity due to insufficient support from programs like SNAP. She criticized the punitive measures in place that make it difficult for families to qualify for assistance and highlighted the negative impact of food insecurity on children’s mental health and development. Silverbush also noted the need for policy changes to prioritize funding for nutrition programs.
A the WORD Archive Photo of an earlier NYLFF
the WORD Editor Gregg W. Morris