When you put into motion a mind-bending script like "I Live Here Now," you're waiting for someone who reacts with as much zeal as you did when writing it. Maybe even with a twinge of excitement mixed with intimidation; a dash of terror, perhaps? Julie Pacino, the extraordinary writer-director (who, by the way, is the offspring of famed movie star Al Pacino and Jan Tarrant), found her match in the brilliantly animated Lucy Fry.

There was no tense meet-and-greet; instead, it was straight into the deep end with Lucy's passionate outpour! "I hopped on a call with Lucy, and she floored me with her opening line. She confessed that my script stirred up powerful emotions in her, and she was bursting to share them," Pacino recalled. This emotional response hit the sweet spot for Julie, sparking a collaborative partnership marked by a vibrant exchange of ideas.

It might get a little cryptic here; after all, we're elbow-deep in the magical realm of film! Keeping spoilers at bay, picture playing Rose - a character trapped in a hotel, juggling her sanity with chilling echoes from her past. Now, that's a charged dynamic, folks. But, our heroine Lucy Fry wasn't just up for it; she slayed!

Adding an iridescent layer to the narrative, Julie Pacino used her flair for visual storytelling to unveil this haunted tale. Drawing inspiration from the stifling creative energy during the lockdown, she transformed this anarchy into a narrative that talks loud and clear about being a woman in the modern world. What began as a small 10-page concept grew into a full-length feature hitting hard on themes of entrapment and introspection.

Ditching the grays, Julie infuses her dreamscape with a bold color scheme. Shot in classic 35mm film, you'll find 'blobs' of bright color packing the visuals with a campy punch. Julie and her Director of Photography, Aron Meinhardt, intentionally used Technicolor light to guide Rose on her self-discovery journey. Indeed, the colors play a crucial role in this hypnotic universe!

Julie Pacino reassures us that it's not just an abstract ride. The 'narrative lucidity" remains intact even with its surreal ambiance. The sole focus was to capture Rose's reality and her self-understanding. Certainly, it's a journey embedded with clues and connotations.
Julie can't wait to get audiences on this tantalizing roller-coaster and hopefully, stir up lively discussions about the film’s symbolic layers and their profound implications. But, first things first, sit back and enjoy the ride!

This tantalizing feature comes alive at Fantasia's world premiere this Thursday. So grab your popcorn and delve into the world of "I Live Here Now".