By Beth David, Editor
A small, but enthusiastic group got a sneak peek at Alyssa Botelho’s latest short film, “To Dust All Return,” in a hometown screening in the Fairhaven Town Hall auditorium on 10/2/21. The nine-minute film was the capstone project for Ms. Botelho, writer/director/editor, who graduated from the University of Rhode Island’s Harrington School of Communication and Media with a BA in film/media this year.
“This is so exciting,” said Ms. Botelho after the movie, saying it was great to celebrate the arts and film with the community, especially after the pandemic.
She said the screening brought together all parts of her life, from co-workers in the town’s Cable Access department, to her high school media class, her family and friends.
“We’re so proud of her,” said Alyssa’s father, Steven Botelho. “I know she works so hard at her craft.”
He said she was always a talented writer, and the story about her mother getting her a library card when she was only a week old, is definitely true. Alyssa would leave the library with books stacked up to her nose.
Film maker Alyssa Botelho (standing) addresses the crowd at the screening of her short film, “To Dust All Return,” at Fairhaven Town Hall on 10/1/21, during the question and answer period after the movie, with other crew members, L-R: Todd Migliacci, Prop Master, Set Decorator; Debra Borges Roderick, Costume Designer; Alyssa Botelho, Writer/Director, Editor; Bethany Fernandes, Producer; Sean Campbell, Director of Photography. Photo by Beth David.
“She read constantly,” he said. “And she always asked a lot of questions about the characters.”
Pattie Pacella, who used to work at town hall, said she was there to support Ms. Botelho.
“It was a pleasure working with her,” said Ms. Pacella.
Susan DeLuise and Philip MacDonald said they missed the last screening of Ms. Botelho’s first film, “Junkie,” so they were determined not to miss this one.
Mr. MacDonald said he wanted to support a fellow FHS alum, “and wish her all the luck.”
Ms. DeLuise said curiosity took her there, and “to wish her luck.”
“She is doing amazing work,” said Selectboard member Stasia Powers. “I’m so proud of her.”
She said she was happy Ms. Botelho used people from Fairhaven.
“It brings the whole town together for something pretty cool,” said Ms. Powers.
Michael DeCicco, a local writer, said he wanted to support the “local girl making good.”
“She was so inspiring,” said Cindy DeCicco. “I like her drive and her hard work.”
Ms. Botelho noted that they chose October 1 because it is the start of the “spooky season.”
The movie is set in 1710 and centers around a young woman who is visited by a powerful man who suspects her of being a witch. The woman’s mother has been sent away, which was becoming common at the time, to send women away who were…difficult. Her father also seems to be away. We will not, however, give away the movie’s secrets here.
During the question and answer period, Ms. Botelho said she wanted a “coming of age” story, but wanted something different from the stereotypical stories. At first, it was going to be a “mockumentary,” but she said it did not feel right as she wrote it, so she made it serious.
“I really wanted to make something about a girl growing up and finding her own strength in a weird sort of way,” she said. “She’s not exactly the good guy. But you can make the argument that she’s also not exactly the bad guy. It’s kind of a gray area between good and evil and that came from a lot of research in the time period.”
Ms. Botelho said researching for the film was fun, too. She and other crew members went to Salem; the prop and costume people went on treasure hunts.
Even reading the bible and taking notes had its fun factor.
“Which was like really, really fun, because why else would I read an old version of a bible,” she said. “Yeah, it was really fun to do the research.”
They shot on location at Aptucxet Trading Post in Bourne, which created lighting and heating challenges.
It was cold on the weekend they filmed in March, said director of photography Sean Campbell. So they left the fire on all day, which was probably a safety hazard and definitely made the room smokey.
One man said the movie made him wanting more. Ms. Botelho said she is working on making a longer version, or maybe a TV series, and has contacted producers about the possibilities.
The movie will not be available to the public for another year, but maybe you can catch it at one of the many film festivals it has been entered into. Meanwhile find Ms. Botelho on Facebook for updates: https://www.facebook.com/alyssa.botelho.98 or visit https://www.imdb.com/title/tt14735336/?ref_=fn_al_tt_1
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