‘Spiral Farm’ is the coming of age story of Anahita (Piper De Palma, daughter of director Brian De Palma – Scarface, Carrie), a 17 year-old girl growing up on an intentional community. The tranquility of the commune is disrupted by the arrival of two outsiders, a father and son, who cause Anahita to question her future.
Spiral Farm” stars Piper De Palma, daughter of iconic film director Brian De Palma, alongside Amanda Plummer (Ryan Murphy’s upcoming “Ratched,” “Pulp Fiction,” “The Hunger Games: Catching Fire”), Jade Fusco (“Youth in Revolt,” “ Wonder Valley”), Cosimo Fusco (“Angels & Demons,” “Gone in Sixty Seconds”), Teo Halm (“Earth to Echo,” “Memoria,”and Music Producer of Beyonce’s Lion King and Donald Glover’s Guava Island, Sara Anne (“Public Disturbance, “
What an honor to speak with Alec Tibaldi about writing and directing his first feature film and with working with Piper De Palma!
‘Spiral Farm’ was showcased and won high praise at Slamdance Film Festival. How did that feel?
Alec Tibaldi. Absolutely thrilling! I have been in love with storytelling and filmmaking, both writing stories and directing, since I was a teenager. When you create and write the story it is such an intimate, private experience. Then you have some friends and actors read it and your very private story opens up. You begin to share it with a larger and larger audience. The goal of course is to watch people react and connect with the emotions and feelings you hoped to convey, there’s nothing like it. It feels like a miracle, and it is a validating theatrical experience.
When did you start writing screenplays?
Alec Tibaldi. I started as a teenager. I read a script and it looked like it would be so easy, lots of white space, not a lot of words! (LAUGHTER) I found out how challenging it was very quickly! Spiral Farm took almost 5 years to complete. I worked with Thomai Hatsios on the story concept, then researched at a commune in Ojai, CA. I had written two short scripts where I had worked with Piper De Palma and I wanted to create something for her. We work great together. I liked the idea of a character study of a young woman in transition between two worlds, getting the opportunity to leave home base and go into the real world. She dreams of becoming a dancer, but when two outsiders visit the commune she struggles with the emotions of creating a life for herself, or a life dedicated to others.
Is Spiral Farm a Drama?
Alec Tibaldi. I would say yes, it’s dramatic. But it includes numerous emotions such as: fear, sensuality, betrayal, romance, joy and happiness.
What writers, artists or filmmaker’s have inspired you?
Alec Tibaldi. Besides my Mom and Dad, I would say Lena Dunham. She really opened my mind for the possibilities of filmmaking with her film ‘Tiny Furniture’. She creates such a beautiful film on a very limited budget. I also admire her for being able to transition into TV and become a Showrunner for her HBO series ‘Girls‘. I’m a big fan. I also am inspired by Sean Baker. He filmed Tangerine on his IPhone, and is also known for Starlet and the Academy Award nominated ‘The Florida Project’.
Would you ever consider experimenting with TV?
Alec Tibaldi. Absolutely! I am intrigued by the Serial TV phenomena and the concept of being able to write such a big picture, developing a character that becomes more and more intriguing, and keeping your audience wanting more. It’s very enticing!
What’s next for Alec Tibaldi?
Alec Tibaldi. I’m doing a project that is the polar opposite of Spiral Farm. I am the co-writer and co-director with New York actress Zora Iman Cruz called The Daphne Project. It is a comedy mockumentary about a Greek Goddess that respectfully pokes fun and finds humor in how seriously the actress takes her part.
Watch for Spiral Farm debuting in Los Angeles, San Francisco and Chicago, December 13th!
Thank you Alec!
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