It’s been five years, but Westport writer and filmmaker Jarret Liotta is ready to debut his Westport-based murder mystery film.
Jarret Liotta: film was five years in making. Contributed photo
“Home Movie” will premier on YouTube at 9 p.m. on Saturday. Click HERE.
The feature-length dark comedy was shot entirely in Westport with the help of many different individuals, businesses and organizations.
“It’s the story of a young woman who comes home for her father’s funeral only to grow suspicious that her mother may have killed him,” says Liotta, who also contributes to WestportNow and other local publications.
Those who helped make it happen included Cathy Walsh, Dwain Schenck, and Matt Porio—- “three wonderful Westport community leaders who know great comedy when they smell it.”
He adds, “There were many others too, but you’ll have to watch the end credits to see who they are.”
Businesses contributing included Harding Funeral Home, Gold’s Deli, and others. Civic organizations helping out included the Westport Police Department, the Center for Senior Activities, and the Westport Woman’s Club.
Actors taking part include Markley Rizzi, Nina Yasick, Cameron Faye, Lidiane Fernandes, and even former Staples High School librarian Colin Neenan.
“The film itself was the product of close to 50 shooting days, all within the Westport borders,” Liotta says.
“Editing took much, much more time and when you watch this you will see literally well over 1,000 hours of time spent at the computer cutting and splicing and tweaking, for good or ill.”
Lioitta says this is not his first feature-length film, but actually his third, adding: “The others have come and gone, but this one I think is much, much better, mainly for what I think is a pretty good story with some pretty good characters.”
What’s next for Liotta?
“I am already in the middle of a new untitled project, which likewise I hope will be made in town in tandem with the community,” he says. ”I think it’s even better and will be a fun thing to make happen after all this ‘stuff’ has passed.
“I’m also hoping that the next go-around involves even more people who believe in the magic of making visions come true, because this will be a very cool one.”
