#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:

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Elevation Pictures release FITTING IN on February 2, 2024.

(Photo/video credit: Elevation Pictures/Mr. Will Wong)