Still from MISS LIBRA by Ariana Molly — Still from *MISS LIBRA* by Ariana Molly

Through a haze of smoke, horoscopes, and red wine, emerges Ariana Molly’s MISS LIBRA. You may know Ariana from Mutually Feeling, or from her ethereal photography, but this short film marks her directorial debut. As an artist, Ariana transitions effortlessly between mediums, and MISS LIBRA is an invites us to take a deep dive into the her creative world.

MISS LIBRA chronicles our heroine, Lees, as she recounts the sagas of her failed pursuits for love. Written as indulgently obscure as a daily horoscope, Lees reels in feminine divinity and smashes it at its core, expelling gender presentation as laughable, playful, chaotic, evil. She muses over the queer, the trans and the astrological experiences muddling make believe with reality. She is pouting and painting her lips in a blue-hued bathroom. She is wearing a wedding dress in a smokey bath. She is drinking endless red wine. She is laughing maniacally, tying ropes and cracking whips and she is smoking-smoking-smoking. The cryptic yet seductive monologue, when coupled with the film's distinct visual, transports viewers to a mystifying space of gender frenzy and chaos, beauty and celestial delight. This highly aestheticized, ethereal slice of desire, dazzles in all of its glam-queer glory.

The film was realized by an almost entirely female/non-binary cast and crew. It was shot in October 2018 and has it's premier in October 2019. It's now being released on IGTV October 1st 2020. We spoke to Ariana about her creative process for the film, and her transition into this new medium.

Malaika Astorga for Also Cool: What made you take the leap from photography to producing a film?

Ariana Molly: Making the move from photography to film was something I always fantasized about but felt intimidated by. The reverberating "you should do film!" would bounce at me from friends, colleagues and professors who felt that my aesthetic language would translate well. It was honestly a matter of fighting off that pesky inner monologue telling me I wasn't ready. If there's one thing I've learned it's that we NEVER feel ready for any new challenge. At a certain point, you just need to swan dive and believe that you're going to stick the landing, and also be okay with knowing that you might not, and that's okay too.

I originally started developing this project because I applied and was accepted to write/direct the film for a series out of Australia called "Calendar Girls" that is now defunct. Unfortunately, due to lack of funding, they had to cease productions for their second year (for which I was supposed to participate) but in my mind I was already making the film, I could see it and feel it and I really, really wanted to make it. So I went ahead with it anyways and self-funded it. I didn't want arbitrary circumstances to prevent me from realizing this project.

Also Cool: What are some of your favourite films and why?

Ariana Molly: I have always loved films that cultivate a particular mood and create their own universe. I am a huge sucker for opulent aesthetic, overboard production design, costuming, DIY special effects, faux gore, queer themes!!! Anything related to halloween will usually charm the shit out of me. One of my favourite films of all time is The Love Witch. I think it might be the most perfect film ever made. Escapism through cinema is bliss, give me give me more.

AC: Reflecting on MISS LIBRA two years later, how do you think you’ve grown as a director and artist? Do you have any advice for your past self, or for anyone aspiring to make a short film now?

Ariana Molly: It feels crazy to me that two years have passed since I realized this film. In some ways it feels like centuries ago, probably in part due to the way the world has radically shifted since that time #ronaaaa But in all honesty, the advice I would have given myself then, is the same advice I give myself now: just. fucking. go. for. it. There are literally one hundred thousand million reasons not to do something, don't let your own self confidence be the thing that prevents you from giving it a go. I have always been a person paralyzed by fear of failure, major A-type personality complex. I always joke that I never do anything I'm bad at. But, at the same time, discovering that I was capable of something new was one of the most invigorating feelings, and I'm going to keep chasing that high.

For a long time, when I would look at work I made in the past, I would be horrified (yikes @ undergrad). But MISS LIBRA has never turned on me. I am as proud of this film now as I was two years ago and infinitely grateful that this one film gave me the confidence to do so many other film based projects. I hope I can continue to cultivate that sensibility for the rest of my career because self doubt will rot the soul.

I will always advocate for the fake it till you make it lifestyle because imposteur syndrome has followed me, no matter where I've been in my career, and I've accepted it as a part of life. I've basically learned to slap on a smile, say "yes I can" and then figure out how to make it work. Thank god for YouTube tutorials, my partner and every person who's ever given me a helping hand or a shot. They're the real MVPs.

MISS LIBRA will be available via Ariana’s IGTV on October 1st 2020. The release is also tied to a fundraiser for Taking What We Need. Ariana encourages anyone who enjoys the film to donate to their crowdfunding.