A Little House in Aberdeen Film Spotlight
Today’s film spotlight focuses on the short film A Little House in Aberdeen directed by Emily Goss.
What is the title of your film and what inspired said title?
The film is called A Little House In Aberdeen. It’s a phrase that comes up in the film and it stuck in my brain. It seemed to me to encapsulate a message in the film, so I made it the title. The little house represents an alternate life the lead character could have had. We all have little houses in Aberdeen – different places we could have ended up had something been different, had we made a different choice. It’s the life we dream about and wonder about, when we’re lost in the life we have.
Tell us a little bit about the story and origins of your film.
The film is a simple slice of life. It takes place during an in-clinic abortion, as the woman having the abortion streams of consciousness to the provider and medical assistant about the other people in the waiting room, her mom, her gone dreams, and a boy she once knew – who’s probably living in a little house in Aberdeen, South Dakota right about now. The film is based on a one-minute monologue (which is pretty much the first minute of the film). The monologue was written for a challenge a casting director held in the spring of 2020, and ended up being one of 40 finalists out of 8,000 entries. I was reading the novel Spark of Light by Jodi Picoult at the time the challenge was announced and I was inspired to tell an abortion story. But a very casual, matter-of-fact abortion story that put the emphasis on the person rather than the procedure. I hadn’t seen that before – on TV or film, and we need more abortion stories.
Any films or filmmakers that inspired this film?
I love Vanishing Angle films, especially their one-take shorts like The Robbery, Thunder Road, and It’s All Right, It’s OK. The oner fits A Little House In Aberdeen for many reasons. I wanted to bring audiences into the procedure room and prevent them from looking away. By not cutting, we sustain the tension and we demystify the procedure – there’s no timelapse or sleight of hand – an abortion really is this quick and straightforward. Also, given that the three characters are just about stationary the entire time, I wanted the cinematography to be dynamic and engaging.
What is the goal of the film for you?
I want this film to normalize abortion and humanize the people who have them. I want to educate rather than alienate. I also hope to direct more! I have been an actor here in LA for almost 10 years. I always hoped to work my way into directing and I’m so happy I finally have this calling card.
What has the journey been like getting the film into production?
I was accepted into Film Independent’s Fiscal Sponsorship program. I am so proud and honored to have their name in the credits of this little movie. The sponsorship made it possible for me to raise funds over the course of several months. I am lucky to have a full rolodex of filmmaker friends and colleagues from over the years. My co-producer Shayan Ebrahim was especially helpful – recommending crew, advising on budget, and then helping during production and post.
One thing you learned from this project?
Just one?! I learned that people will help you. It was incredibly moving and humbling that people from all different parts of my life came out to donate or show up in other ways. Friends of mine were willing to talk to me about their abortions. Planned Parenthood and Whole Woman’s Health were willing to answer my questions about the procedures and connect me with abortion providers. I still can’t entirely believe that the crew showed up, worked so hard, and gave their hearts to this film.
How can folks find you and your film online?
My Instagram: emilygoss650
My Twitter: @emilygoss650
The film’s Instagram: https://www.
The film’s Twitter: https://twitter.com/
The film’s Facebook: https://www.
Any last pieces of advice for fellow filmmakers?
You know more than you think you do. Trust yourself. Communicate, plan, and bring other people that you trust on board. You’ll be able to figure it out together and learn by doing.
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