Posted by Join host Olivia Lyle (@olivialyle1) for an exclusive conversation with lead actress Cynthia Zitter, star of Argie Berman (USA), directed by Fon Davis. The film was nominated for Best LGBTQ Short and Best Actress at the 7th Annual Independent Shorts Awards. Interview recorded by Kyle Reed (@thekylereed).
On Argie Berman — Stand-Up, Sobriety, and Self-Reckoning
Argie Berman follows a recovering alcoholic who uses her coming-out story—told onstage in a stand-up set and unpacked in therapy—to make sense of addiction and a complicated bond with her mother. The film moves between sharp, confessional comedy and intimate sessions where truths land without a punchline, charting the uneasy path from survival to self-acceptance.
Building the Performance
For Zitter, embodying Argie meant learning to be the comedian, not just perform jokes.
“I had a whole stand-up routine all day long,” she said. “First came the memorization, then tapping into who she is and how she relates to me. I didn’t want to ‘perform’ the stand-up—I wanted to be the stand-up.” The Zitter’s approach threads humor through hard truths, keeping the laugh lines tethered to real stakes.
Career & Craft
With nearly 25 years of professional experience—and a dream that began at age three—Zitter has witnessed the industry evolve dramatically, from mailing headshots out of Ohio to today’s fully digital casting. “In-person, you can get a redirect,” she explained, recalling how a quick adjustment once landed her a role. “But self-tapes are great for life balance; you can do them when you have a moment.”
Originally from Ft. Recovery, Ohio, Zitter studied at Baldwin Wallace College before relocating to Los Angeles, where she now works as an actress, musician, and career coach. Her screen credits include General Hospital, 9-1-1, Hulu’s Reprisal, and ABC’s Stumptown.
Working with Director Fon Davis
Under Fon Davis’s direction, Argie Berman balances pace and intimacy—letting the rhythms of stand-up collide with the stillness of recovery. The approach frames Argie’s voice as both a shield and a key: performance is how she copes, and how she finds language for what once felt unspeakable.
Recognition at Independent Shorts Awards
Zitter called this her first “real” Best Actress nomination at the annual awards. “I’m excited—little butterflies,” she admitted. “It’s awesome to be recognized.” The two nominations reflect the film’s deft tonal balance and the power of Zitter’s turn.
Enjoy the interview below, along with the trailer for Argie Berman, for a brief glimpse into the film.
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