In advance of BFF’s 2020 Online Festival, we will be sharing exclusive interviews with this year’s filmmakers. Get to know their films, their inspirations, and their advice to fellow emerging filmmakers. Check out our interview with Isabella Carrera, director of TIGHT, NO PAIN.
Isabella Carrera is an emerging producer based in Toronto. Originally from Brazil, she has a background in Assistant Location Management for film and television. Since arriving in Canada, Isabella has focused on writing, directing and producing student short films, as well as working as a Production Assistant.
Congratulations on your 2020 BFF film selection! Can you tell us a bit about your film?
Tight, No Pain is a short documentary about vaginismus, a condition that makes vaginal penetration extremely painful and, in some cases, even impossible. Through interviews and reenactments, three women at different stages of dealing with the sexual condition share their experience and the impact it had on relationships, self-esteem and body image. The film was entirely developed and filmed in Toronto by a crew consisting mostly of women of colour.
What inspired you to tell this story?
I experienced vaginismus myself for many years, and it took me a long time to discover what was happening to my body. Doctors disregarded my symptoms as just a high intolerance to pain. I also had difficulty finding information about vaginismus in Portuguese (my first language), and was too embarrassed to discuss the matter with my partner, friends and family. After finally receiving a diagnosis and getting cured, I learned just how common vaginismus is worldwide, and that there are still many members of the medical community who do not believe the condition to be true. As a filmmaker, I felt the responsibility to promote awareness, spark a shame-free conversation around female sexuality and provide support to other women with vaginismus so they can feel less alone during their journey towards treatment.
Still from Tight, No Pain
What drew you to the mixed-media that draws attention to certain words in your characters’ personal accounts?
I wanted the audience to feel like they were diving into the women's minds as they recounted their intimate battle with vaginismus. Intercutting interviews with archival material, bold lettering, animation and reenactments makes it easier for viewers to connect with the raw emotions that the women explain onscreen.
Still from Tight, No Pain
What’s the core message that you wanted to convey to your audience through this film?
My intention when making the film was to subvert the idea that women who suffer from sexual conditions like vaginismus are hysterical, weak or too sensitive. I wanted to show that they are strong, intelligent, complex individuals who lead deep relationships and meaningful lives. That their voices should be heard, believed and validated by the medical community like men's are. That they are worthy of love and respect just as much as anyone else. I also hope that viewers leave the film inspired to engage in conversations around sexuality and gender expectations with their partners, children and women in general.
What advice would you give to an emerging filmmaker just starting out?
Learn as much as you can about all areas of filmmaking. Attend networking events, as they are a great way to meet potential mentors and other aspiring filmmakers like you. Read books, watch movies, listen to music and consume news that expands your perspective of society and allows you to grow as a person. And if you are struggling to find your creative voice, look for untold stories in events, themes or social causes that spark your curiosity, ignite your passion and compel you to make the world a better place.
Care to share any films you’re inspired by, that our community should check out during this quarantine?
Softie, St. Louis Superman, Paris Is Burning and Recorder: The Marion Stokes Project are all beautiful documentaries driven by the perspectives of BIPOC protagonists.
Catch TIGHT, NO PAIN as part of BFF’s 2020 Online Festival, with a special live-streamed Q&A with Isabella on Thursday June 25th. Join us June 25 - 28 for screenings, virtual Q&As, panel discussions and more! Get Tickets Today.