Posted by Join host Olivia Lyle (@olivialyle1) for an exclusive interview with filmmaker Ella Lentini, director of Hemorrhage (USA), which received the awards for Best Women Short and Best Acting Duo (Megan Davis and Adam Irigoyen). Recorded by Kyle Reed (@thekylereed) at the 7th Annual Independent Shorts Awards at Regal LA Live, Los Angeles.
The screening at Independent Shorts Awards marked the USA premiere of Hemorrhage, giving audiences their first opportunity to experience the film on the big screen.
On Hemorrhage — Storytelling Through Tension and Intimacy
Set against the political and social realities of the American South, Hemorrhage tells the story of a young couple traveling from Georgia to Virginia to access abortion care. On their return, when the young woman begins to hemorrhage in a state that has criminalized abortion, they must decide: attempt to cross state lines back into Virginia, or risk arrest by going to the nearest emergency room.
Lentini described seeing the film with a full theater audience for the first time as unforgettable: “This was my first time seeing it on screen. Hearing when people react to certain moments or when something resonates with them — that was really cool.”
She noted that one of the most powerful audience responses came during a moment of tenderness: “When they’re sitting outside of the car at a rest stop… their banter, their love, their softness. Hearing everyone react to that was great because it was so intentional on the day when we shot it.”
Directing With Vision and Precision
Lentini’s path to directing blends acting, writing, and activism. “I started as an actor, went to school for screenwriting, and when I worked on sets with other directors I thought, this just makes sense. I’m visual, but also very attuned to actors and how they work,” she explained.
While she has previously directed and acted in her own projects, Hemorrhage was the first film she directed without also writing or producing. The script was written by lead actress Megan Davis, who also produced the short. “Megan’s a firecracker,” Lentini said. “I felt honored that she trusted me not just with the story but also with her performance.”
Collaboration with Megan Davis & Adam Irigoyen
Lentini described the unique process of working with Davis and Irigoyen: “I felt like I got to work with three different Megans — the producer, the writer, and the actor. On set, she and Adam trusted me to hold them in a safe space to explore, to find the levity in moments, and also to go to the darker places.”
Their layered performances earned Davis and Irigoyen the award for Best Acting Duo, a recognition Lentini celebrated as proof of their artistry and commitment.
Overcoming Challenges
Like many indie projects, the shoot came with unexpected obstacles. Lentini recalled that the car — where much of the film takes place — turned out to be unreliable: “We didn’t know until the day of shooting that the car had tinted windows, the windows didn’t open, and it would shut down if we went too slow. My DP and I were in the backseat for every single car scene.”
Despite these hurdles, the team persevered. “The last scene was definitely the most challenging emotionally. We only had about 30 minutes to shoot it, but everyone wanted to hit the different layers. It took a lot,” she said.
About the Director
Ella Lucia Montes Lentini is a first-generation American and multi-hyphenate actor–writer–filmmaker, proudly born and raised in New York City. She attributes her artistic perspective to her immigrant parents — a Peruvian mother of five and a Sicilian tailor. A graduate of New York University’s Gallatin School, she created her own course of study titled “Screenwriting as a Weapon”, combining storytelling with activism.
Her award-winning directorial debut, Piece of Cake, screened at festivals around the world, ending its circuit at HBO’s Outfest and raising over $10,000 for an LGBTQIA+ non-profit. With Hemorrhage, Lentini continues to bring urgent, socially relevant stories to the screen through a bold and deeply human lens.
Recognition & Resonance
With its twin honors at Independent Shorts Awards, Hemorrhage emerged as a bold artistic achievement and a showcase of fearless performances. Lentini reflected: “I love collaborating, and working with every department was amazing. It’s all about bringing the story to life together.”
Enjoy the interview below, along with the trailer for Hemorrhage, for a brief glimpse into the film.
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