maddie ziegler
#INTERVIEW: “FITTING IN”
By Mr. Will Wong
Molly McGlynn‘s semi-autobiographical coming of age Comedy FITTING IN strikes that perfect balance of humourous, powerful and affecting. And it was made right at home! The Pink Carpet was rolled-out and the theatre was booked out at Paradise on Bloor, followed by a bustling after party at Osteria Rialto, right next door. In attendance were stars Maddie Ziegler in a breakthrough performance, plus amazing Supporting Actors Emily Hampshire and Djouliet Amara, both exceptional homegrown talent. The Cast also did a Q&A, following the Film’s premiere.
The Film centers on Lindy (Ziegler), who already is having a tough time navigating being a teen, only to be diagnosed with MRKH (Mayer-Rokitansky-Küster-Hauser) Syndrome, a rare reproductive disorder that leads to her life falling into disarray. McGlynn, who wrote and directed the Film, pulled from her own experiences as a teen, when she was diagnosed with the condition and the on-screen results are something deeply personal and profound. Last night, some actual “MRKG Girls” were in attendance – the take away being to love ourselves exactly the way we were made.
We had the pleasure of chatting with the Cast of FITTING IN on the Pink Carpet, who shared their experiences filming here, and what they hope the audiences will get from the Film.
Amara has actually worked prior with McGlynn on series THE BIG DOOR PRIZE and was handpicked to play Lindy‘s best friend Vivian. She tells us what she feels is the more integral message of FITTING IN.
Amara: “Love yourself. You’re amazing, you’re awesome. You are built exactly the way you need to be built. Fall in love with yourself. I hope that people fall in love with themselves while watching this Film.”
We don’t need an introduction to the brilliant Hampshire, who continues to build her body of work as a national treasure, including beloved series SCHITT’S CREEK. She plays Lindy‘s mother Rita, who is coping herself with having had Breast Cancer and also being a single mom. Hampshire walks us through getting involved with FITTING IN.
Hampshire: “I read the Script, and I know it was Molly‘s personal story and I just really connected with the humour in it. To tell a story like this that is about a traumatic diagnosis that she gets, but it got me at this one point where Lindy‘s looking for people who have this condition and she the only person she could find is Hitler‘s wife, and I was like, this is the tone that I respond to.”.
Ziegler comes back to Toronto, after promoting Toronto-made MY OLD ASS at Sundance just last week. She loves this City and tells us the most revelatory thing she learned while researching her role as Lindy.
Ziegler: “I love Toronto, I feel like an honourary Canadian because I’ve now filmed two back to back films here, which has been incredible. And I went to Canada’s Wonderland, which is really fun!!”.
“It’s so hard to be a woman in general, and I think learning so much more from the MRKH community, I just feel so deeply for everyone. It’s so hard just to be a teenager, to be a human and on top of it, feeling shame and guilt over something that you can’t change. And through doing so much research with so many people and Molly, you learn that your flaws are what makes you so beautiful. I think having a difference is beautiful and I’m so lucky I’ve been able to be a part of this experience. It’s very chilling and moving.”.
Complete chats here:
Elevation Pictures release FITTING IN on February 2, 2024.
(Photo/video credit: Elevation Pictures/Mr. Will Wong)
#FIRSTLOOK: “FITTING IN” NEW RELEASE DATE
After premiering to raves at TIFF ’23, we get a new release date for Elevation Pictures’ FITTING IN: February 2, 2024.
Synopsis:
A joyful, comedic drama, from writer/director Molly McGlynn, Fitting In is a coming-of-age story that follows 16-year-old Lindy (Maddie Ziegler) who is unexpectedly diagnosed with a reproductive condition, MRKH syndrome. The diagnosis upends her plans to have sex, her presumptions about womanhood and sexuality, her relationship with her mother, and most importantly, herself.
A semi-autobiographical feature written and directed by Molly McGlynn (Mary Goes Round), Fitting In stars Maddie Ziegler, Emily Hampshire, Djouliet Amara, D’Pharaoh Woon-A-Tai, and Ki Griffin. The feature film is produced by Jennifer Weiss and Liane Cunje, and executive produced by Janelle Monae, Mikael Moore, Molly McGlynn, Brenden Brady, Adrian Love, Laurie May, James Huntsman, and Lisa Gutberlet.
Directed by Molly McGlynn
Screenplay by Molly McGlynn
Starring: Maddie Ziegler, Emily Hampshire, Djouliet Amara, D’Pharaoh Woon-A-Tai, Ki Griffin
#SPOTTED: MADDIE ZIEGLER IN TORONTO FOR “BLOODY HELL”
You might know her from Dance Moms where she first got recognition, but Dancer/Actress Maddie Ziegler (and best-selling Author!) genuinely is a star on the rise! After starring alongside Singer/Songwriter Sia on a string Music VIdeos for her biggest hits, she has landed roles in Steven Spielberg‘s WEST SIDE STORY and Award-winning THE FALLOUT.
Ziegler stars next in Molly McGlynn‘s BLOODY HELL, which centers on a 16-year-old girl on the brink of womanhood, who discovers she has a reproductive condition unexpectedly. Ziegler was in-town recently doing some post-production on the Film which wrapped late June in Sudbury. The Film also stars Toronto’s own Emily Hampshire and will be distributed by Elevation Pictures in Canada.
So amazing finally meeting Ziegler! She was so sweet and kind after a long day, and we actually can’t wait to see BLOODY HELL!
(Photo credit: Mr. Will Wong)
#SXSW: “THE FALLOUT”
Review by Amanda Gilmore
During a deadly high school shooting, Vada (Jenna Ortega) and fellow students Mia (Maddie Ziegler) and Quinton (Miles Fitch) survive by hiding in a bathroom stall. In the aftermath, Vada struggles with processing her emotions and suffering from PTSD. Her relationships with her family and friends, along with her view of the world are forever altered.
Canadian Actress-Writer-Director Megan Park makes her Feature-debut with this heartbreaking look at one student’s emotional fallout following a school shooting. Park creates a difficult task for herself by making her protagonist a student who doesn’t process trauma in a traditional way. Overall, Vada is a character that is so anxious about returning back to school she’s halted her life. In doing so, she has given audiences a different look into grief and trauma for a teenager, while making us question: what is the “right” way to process such a horrific experience?
From the beginning, Park brings us into the life of a modern-day teenager. We are taken into the world of social media, teen influencers, and text communication. She does an effective job of making her text messaging scenes entertaining by adding background action and music, which is scored by FINNEAS. Most importantly, she has a grasp on the slang and rhetoric of a teenager today and laces her script with authentic dialogue.
The most impactful scene in the Film happens near the beginning when the three students are in the bathroom. Park effectively uses terrifying sounds of gunshots and the reactions of Ortega and Ziegler to bring us into this horrifying experience. Once the students are in the confines of the bathroom stall, close-up shots create visual claustrophobia for Vada and Mia’s inner turmoil. The stakes and anxiety become heightened for the characters and audience when Quinton enters covered in his brother’s blood. Overall, it’s heavy material that is depicted and handled in a serious manner.
This scene is expertly acted as well. Ortega, Ziegler and Fitch’s unflinching fear are prominent and heartbreaking. There is no need to see the horror that happens offscreen because we can see the horror among their faces. Throughout the film, Ortega is magnetic to watch. She manages to portray the emotionally numb Vada in an expressive way. This is a darker role for her than her previous work and it’s clear she has an emotional range. In a minor role, Julie Bowen gives a touching performance as Vada’s anxious and caring mother. And young actress Lumi Pollack plays Vada’s younger sister Amelia. She provides moments of comic relief and has a powerful scene with Ortega near the end that requires tissues.
The Fallout screens at SXSW Wednesday, March 17, 2021 at 5 PM ET
#NEWMUSIC: SIA – “TOGETHER” FROM “MUSIC”
It’s been a minute since we’ve heard from Sia, who just released the first single from the Original Motion Picture Soundtrack to MUSIC, which she wrote and directed! The Film starring Kate Hudson and Leslie Odom, Jr. The Film centers on an autistic teen cared for by her drug-dealing older sister.
Check-out TOGETHER below:
MUSIC is in theatres this September via Universal Pictures.
(Photo/video credit: Warner Music)
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