Rani DeMuth, a writer, director, and visual artist from Santa Barbara, California, has made waves with her latest film, And Now I Lay Me Down, which recently screened at the prestigious Holly Shorts festival. Despite the film’s dark themes, it’s infused with wit and a unique visual style, drawing comparisons to Tim Burton’s work—a comparison DeMuth humbly embraces, though her inspirations are more varied, citing directors like Pedro Almodóvar and the vibrant aesthetics of Valley of the Dolls.
DeMuth’s creative journey is deeply personal. She reveals that the concept for And Now I Lay Me Down came to her during a particularly challenging period in her life, as she was grappling with a skin cancer diagnosis and the physical and emotional toll it took on her. “This film saved me,” she confesses, sharing how the vision of the film helped her through reconstructive surgeries and a career standstill. The film’s exploration of aging, fame, and personal decline reflects her own fears and experiences, albeit in a wonderfully exaggerated form.
The protagonist in DeMuth’s film navigates these universal themes, but with a darkly comedic twist—a tone that DeMuth admits comes naturally to her. “I always want to have substance. It’s so important to me to have depth,” she explains, highlighting the balance between comedy and drama in her work.
Casting the lead role was serendipitous. Jane Kaczmarek, known for her work in theatre and television, brought the character to life with a performance that was both hilarious and poignant. “She totally got the character,” DeMuth recalls. The connection was immediate, and despite the lack of rehearsal time, Kaczmarek’s performance was flawless, often leaving the crew in stitches during filming.
As a female filmmaker in a still male-dominated industry, DeMuth acknowledges the challenges she faces. While there are more opportunities for women now, the competition remains fierce. “I feel like I have to work harder,” she admits, underscoring the pressure to constantly prove herself. Yet, she remains hopeful and inspired, especially by the next generation of female filmmakers she encountered while teaching at Santa Barbara City College.
DeMuth’s personal journey and creative resilience shine through in And Now I Lay Me Down, a film born out of hardship but filled with humour and heart. As she continues to navigate the evolving landscape of Hollywood, her story is a testament to the power of finding light, even in the darkest of times.
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Reporter: Gemma Gordon
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