Tribeca Film Festival 2018: An Interview with Lady Monika Bacardi and Andrea Iervolino

Producing partners, Lady Monika Bacardi and Andrea Iervolino, know how to find stories that strike an emotional chord with audiences. Their company, AMBI, has been responsible for producing films including: The Ides of March, Dark Places, Cruel Intentions, and Blue Night, which is making its debut at this year’s Tribeca Film Festival. Starring Sarah Jessica Parker in her first film role in over three years, Blue Night tells the story of a successful jazz-pop singer who receives devastating news ahead of her performance at the iconic Birdland Jazz Club. Pop Culturalist sat down with this dynamic duo to learn more about the film, the stories that they’re attracted to, and what it was like collaborating with Sarah Jessica Parker.

PC: Tell us about Blue Night and what attracted you to this project.
Monika: We really loved this project because it’s a film that reminds us that life is short and you have to live every day to its fullest. Things change so quickly. Anyone can fall ill at any time, and when that happens, it gives you a different perspective on life. We never truly know how much time we have, and it’s important to learn what you value the most as a person in this lifetime.

Andrea: Last year, we did a film called To The Bone, and I remember an audience member thanked us for telling this story because someone in their family was going through a similar situation. Blue Night has many of the same elements: fantastic cast, great director, and it’s a story that can help a lot of people and make them appreciate life more. These are the types of movies that Monika and I love to make.

Photo Credit: Tribeca Film Festival

PC: Was there a particular moment in the script that spoke to you?
Monika: For me, one of the most touching scenes is when the mother goes to see her daughter and she’s laying there on her bed not knowing if this is the last time she’ll see her. It’s heartbreaking.

Andrea: At the end of the movie, Vivienne (Sarah Jessica Parker) is at the hospital with her manager. It’s a powerful scene because for a lot of the film, she doesn’t know if she should share the news that she has cancer with the people closest to her. During that scene, we realize she does open up.

PC: What was it like collaborating with Sarah Jessica Parker and Alison Benson, who co-produced Blue Night with you both?
Andrea: It’s actually our second movie with Sarah Jessica Parker! We really love her. On top of being a great actress, she’s a great person.

Monika: Yes! We love Sarah Jessica Parker. We’ve had great experiences working with her.

PC: AMBI has been involved with hundreds of films. What is the process like when you decide which films you want to produce?
Andrea: We have a very systemic process but we’re always looking for stories that we’d be proud to tell, have powerful messages, and improve society.

Blue Night is currently playing at The Tribeca Film Festival. For tickets and screening information, click here.

Photo Credit: AMBI Media Group