Jennifer Esposito (‘Fresh Kills’): First-time director brings feminist mob movie to 31st Hamptons Film Festival

Before Jane Campion, Kathryn Bigelow, Greta Gerwig, Ava DuVernay or Chloe Zhao, Jennifer Esposito thought about being a director. “I wanted to go to NYU film school. I couldn’t afford it but also back then there were no role models,” the actress-turned-first-time director told me. “No brilliant female directors or filmmakers, or so few it’s embarrassing,” she continued. “So I became an actress.” That decision didn’t hurt her. After debuting on a “Law and Order” she went on to a regular role on “Spin City” and then films like Spike Lee‘s “Summer of Sam” and Oscar-winning Best Picture “Crash.”

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But a nagging story about growing up around gangster families in Staten Island kept haunting her. So she wrote and directed the mob drama “Fresh Kills” and is bringing it to the 31st Hamptons International Film Festival, which runs from October 5-12. “As my career went on I realized I had so much more to say,” she added. “Acting by itself just wasn’t fulfilling. And I had this story since I was a young person. So I just kept writing it, pushing it, developing it.” It took 10 years to get camera-ready and financed, most of which she did herself. “That makes it a true independent film.”

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The results are encouraging. Costarring Annabella Sciorra, Odessa A’zion, Emily Bader and Domenick Lombardozzi, the 1980s-set feminist-first storyline has connected with critics. It’s currently at 88% on Rotten Tomatoes. And more will see it in the Hamptons. Esposito is proud not just because it’s her own money but also her name all over it. “It’s getting really, really incredible reviews. But it’s even nicer to sit with audiences and get their reaction.” She says mob mothers and daughters who’ve seen the film told her she “nailed it.” That’s the best review you can get. “It’s not based on any one particular family,” she says. “But as I grew up around seeing all this it just stayed with me. There was a lot of rage in young women who were stuck in that slot.”

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The film’s slot at the HIFF is as a Spotlight Film and also featured in a category called “The View From Long Island.” Esposito has made her primary home in the Hamptons for the last seven years. “I love being in the Hamptons and this festival is vital and prestigious.” She’s a “townie” in a tony environment. And she’s proud the film is getting exposure out there. She can promote the film during the SAG-AFTRA strike because in addition to her starring role, she’s the director and writer. Although she told me she hasn’t yet been asked to join the WGA. I told her they’ve been busy, they’ll get to her. She laughed and said, “I will happily join when they do.”

Esposito still thinks there aren’t enough women behind the camera. But she has three more projects in development. And likes the festival circuit. “It’s really the only way independent films get out to people. It shouldn’t be that way. But the business is not inclusive. It needs to open up.”

“Fresh Kills” is among my top five must-sees at the festival along with “Maestro,” “The Holdovers,” “May December” and “Nyad.” But I’m frankly most enthused to discover this new kid Esposito. And say Gold Derby knew her when.

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