Watch the Screenplay Reading:
While on vacation with his family in Disney World, Johnny, a FDNY Firefighter (along with the rest of America) receives word of the attack on the Twin Towers and the Pentagon on September 11, 2001. He is not there with his fellow man and the guilt eats at him for years in the aftermath. Through a support group he is encouraged to join by his wife, he learns the value in opening up about his trauma and guilt, which leaves space for others in his life to do the same.
CAST LIST:
Narrator: Steve Rizzo
Jessica/Paula: Hannah Ehman
Kayla: Elizabeth Rose Morriss
Johnny: Geoff Mays
Get to know the writer:
1. What is your screenplay about?
Can a LGBTQ+ ice hockey club compete with the big, tough FDNY (Fire Department New York) team? And in the end, can the thick walls of prejudice be penetrated to reveal that they are more alike than different? Subplot involves characters’ 9/11 survival grief and guilt. All the 9/11 events in the screenplay are based on actual events. And many queer ice hockey leagues do exist..
2. What genres does your screenplay fall under?
Drama, Diversity.
3. Why should this screenplay be made into a movie?
I believe in this screenplay for its original story and its positive message of social justice and acceptance so needed today.
4. How would you describe this script in two words?
Love wins!
5. What movie have you seen the most times in your life?
Doctor Zhivago
6. How long have you been working on this screenplay?
In my head- ten years. On paper- a year.
7. How many stories have you written?
Seven screenplays. One novella. Many short stories and poems.
8. What is your favorite song? (Or, what song have you listened to the most times in your life?)
Maria from West Side story
9. What obstacles did you face to finish this screenplay?
Health problems. Discouraging idea of marketing difficulties I faced before.
10. Apart from writing, what else are you passionate about?
My life partner. My diverse family. Social justice. Democracy. Theater, Movies. Music. The Beatles. Joni Mitchell. The New York Mets. The New York Islanders. Cannoli.
11. You entered your screenplay via FilmFreeway. What has been your experiences working with the submission platform site?
My screenplay has been Selected to Award Winning in seventy-nine festivals/competitions. My hope was that someone would like it enough to move it into the next level- management, option, etc. But that hasn’t happened. I have received some very good evaluations. But again, I have not been able to get a manager/agent.
12. What influenced you to enter the festival? What were your feelings on the initial feedback you received?
See #11. I was very pleased with the feedback.
Matthew Toffolo's Summary 