Welcome to the DMF. I'm Justin Younts, and today I’m speaking with filmmaker Sara Alessandrini about her powerful and controversial documentary, This Is What New Yorkers Say. Sara created the film out of frustration with how the media portrayed Andrew Cuomo and what she saw as a lack of due process in the public discourse surrounding him.

00:00:00 - Introduction

00:00:07 - Guest Introduction

00:00:32 - Guest Background

00:01:19 - Guest's Early Life and Influence of Cinema

00:03:04 - Guest's Views on Movies and Society

00:03:24 - Discussion on Political Correctness in Movies

00:08:31 - Guest's Journey into Filmmaking

00:09:51 - Guest's Experience with Acting and Theatre

00:14:37 - Guest's Film School Experience

00:15:32 - Guest's Experience in Film School

00:18:15 - Guest's Post-School Experiences and Projects

00:20:29 - Guest's Previous Education in Telecommunications and Engineering

00:26:51 - Guest's View on Education Systems

00:27:41 - Guest's Approach to Problem Solving in Filmmaking

00:31:12 - Guest's Practical Approach to Filmmaking

00:33:25 - Guest's Views on Director's Role in Filmmaking

00:36:00 - Guest's Learning Experience in Film School

00:37:25 - Guest's Approach to Learning Multiple Roles in Filmmaking

00:39:22 - Guest's Frustration with the Movie Industry

00:39:33 - Guest's Experience in Music Videos

00:41:25 - Origin of 'This is What New Yorkers Say' Project

00:46:39 - Guest's Experience with Netflix and Theaters

00:52:15 - Guest's Interaction with Dario Gento

00:56:10 - Guest's Frustration with COVID and Politics

00:59:06 - Guest's Aspiration to Improve Society

01:02:09 - Guest's Frustration with Theatre Management

01:02:16 - Guest's Experience with Business and Theatre Reopening

01:02:30 - Guest's Experience with Workplace Politics

01:03:05 - Guest's Views on Safety in Theatres

01:06:49 - Guest's Decision to Move to Albany

01:08:55 - Guest's Views on Cancel Culture and Offense

01:10:40 - Guest's Experience with Workplace Complaints

01:14:20 - Guest's Views on Due Process and Weaponization of Offense

01:15:25 - Guest's Experience with Filming Documentary

01:16:28 - Guest's Views on Society's Fickle Affection

01:17:35 - Guest's Experience with Social Media and Its Influence

01:18:40 - Guest's Views on Social Media Algorithms and Content

01:19:16 - Origin of the Cuomo Documentary Project

01:22:01 - Guest's Views on Political Movements and Questioning

01:24:50 - Guest's Experience with Content Promotion and Platform Bias

01:26:21 - Guest's Experience with Documentary Production and Challenges

01:27:36 - Guest's Views on the Importance of Policy in Politics

01:30:37 - Guest's Experience with Workplace Politics in Filmmaking

01:32:43 - Challenges and Threats During Documentary Production

01:34:20 - Dealing with Legal Threats and Bullying

01:36:00 - Last Minute Changes and Meeting Deadlines

01:36:48 - Dealing with Financial Constraints and Legal Issues

01:37:17 - Experiences with Bullies and Legal System

01:39:27 - Documentary Screening and Unexpected Challenges

01:40:06 - Facing Accusations and Defending Ownership

01:43:36 - Aftermath of the Documentary and Dealing with Fame Seekers

01:43:46 - Facing False Claims and Media Manipulation

01:44:18 - Reflections on the Movie Industry and Unfinished Projects

01:44:27 - Experiences with Donation Scams and Misrepresentation

01:48:02 - Challenges in Editing and Legal Review

01:49:56 - Experience with Distributors and Aggregators

01:52:47 - Experience with Subtitles and Closed Captioning

01:57:19 - Future Aspirations and Current Focus

01:59:11 - Personal Routines and Interests

02:03:46 - Closing Remarks and Contact Information