Behind the Scenes

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DONNA can’t seem to get her life together. Chain-smoking with a bad haircut, she feels it’s all gone wrong, every little bit. When Donna’s mother, EVE, dies, her sister, LISA, inherits everything of value; all Donna gets is a list of addresses and a trunk full of junk. Each item on the list is a memento from her mother’s life, to be delivered to the significant people of her past. Her mother’s dying wish sends Donna on a road trip from Texas to Arizona to make peace, uncover secrets, and find some understanding in the life she's been dealt.

Donna says goodbye to her deadbeat boyfriend, GLENN, and sets off down I-10 in her beat up ’88 Civic on the trail of her mother’s ghosts. Past water towers and rice dryers, through one-stoplight towns, Donna makes her way down the list. Each delivery closes a chapter of Eve’s life, but this trip is ripping Donna’s old wounds right open. Her absentee father, her evangelical aunt, people who were supposed to be there and weren’t, even in death Eve can’t calm the storm caused by secrets and lies. Self destructive and hurt, Donna falls off the wagon and into old familiar patterns, old familiar beds…

A hundred miles from El Paso, sitting in the blinding sun with her brother, MICHAEL, Donna starts to realize she might be more than just the messenger - this trip might be more than she can handle. Donna must find it within herself to break through her own fears and seek the truth once and for all about her mother, her family, and her desires for her own life. Among the beautiful red rocks of Sedona, Donna sits at the end of her journey to scatter the ashes of the mother she didn’t really come to know except through other people’s memories. Years of anger and silence finally come together to mold a new beginning for Donna. An honest family album. A new life. A whole life.

It’s a journey toward redemption from her past. From her family’s past. Rich with characters and visually vivid, her trip tangles her up in the dark corners of this family’s life. Donna finds more than she was looking for…and on the eve of understanding…she finds herself.

Starring Rebecca Lowman

Written & Directed by Alyson Shelton
Produced by Jen Prince and Alyson Shelton
Director of Photography Elizabeth Santoro
Editor Cody Shelton
Music by Peter Senchuk

"Emotionally engaging!"

"Her (writer/director Alyson Shelton) filmmaking provides glimpses of a potentially sensitive observer of human foibles. Above all, she has a strong and intensely shaded perf by Rebecca Lowman as a solid anchor."

-Robert Koehler, Variety

"Eve of Understanding is the type of film that gives substance to independent filmmaking. It makes the actor want to work more. The pulse of life is in the hands of the indie filmmaker, this is why I work in them. It gives purpose to my art and therefore purpose to my life."

- Nick Nolte Actor

"This is one of those independent films where halfway through I start to wonder if Miramax, or Focus, or Fox Searchlight didn't sink millions into it. Writer/Director Alyson Shelton is fantastic. If you don't have a file on her already, start one. If you're in casting and you don't have a file on Rebecca Lowman then you need to be in another business. She has a working actor's résumé a mile long, but this appears to be her first full on lead. She doesn't just carry this film she dances with it. Kudos should go out to all of the departments on this one, too, especially DP Elizabeth Santoro. She's another one to keep an eye on, as her work is invisible beautiful, but without upstaging the actors or the story. See this movie, not because you're in the business, but because you're a human being and so need and deserve to be exposed to work that is this good. Brava!"

- Robert Mellette, Dances With Films

"I didn't have the courage to say hello in person today-so I'm doing it now. I saw the screening of Eve this afternoon at the Waterfront Film Festival. Wow. I was deeply moved by the story- the journey that Donna took & especially the feeling of always knowing deep inside something was "off" but never being able to place it. I too, grew up not knowing my own biology, and I found myself really reaching a new level of healing just watching the film. Thank you both for such beautiful, beautiful work. It is appreciated!"

- Anonymous

"I just got home from an amazing weekend at the Waterfront Film Festival. On Sunday, I had the fortunate experience of seeing the second viewing of the Eve of Understanding, and was inspired and compelled to send you an email. I am a survivor of domestic violence. When I saw the description of your movie I was intrigued, and at the same time hesitant. As a survivor, I am a bit more sensitive and concerned about how the subject matter is handled. I can honestly say that I am glad I chose to view your movie. Eve of Understanding presents an honest and accurate portrayal of the experience of domestic violence, and all the complicated relationships that it impacts. It also provides a sense of hope and healing, despite all the obstacles, and that the cycle of violence can be broken. Thank you for treating this subject matter with a great deal of respect and honest perspective. I have already told some family members about it, and would love for them to be able to experience the movie. I will continue to spread the word ... and eagerly look forward to seeing it again. I wish you all great success!"

- A Survivor

"Eve of Understanding is a knock-out film on many levels. It is a thought-provoking journey of self-discovery that hits close to the heart. With a compelling and talented cast, an intelligent script and superb direction, the film strikes a chord with its audience in an emotional, touching and very sensitive way. Anyone dealing with ghosts from their past MUST see this film! Old wounds can be ripped right open, as is obvious in Eve of Understanding. It's how we deal with these wounds that makes us strong. This film proves triumphant in bringing so many powerful issues to the forefront! BRAVO!"

- Patrick Schweiss Executive Director, Sedona International Film Festival & Workshop

"Rebecca Lowman's performance in Eve of Understanding was a sensational breakout performance. It came from an actor I was not yet familiar with who, I now realize, is currently gathering rave reviews for her performance also in the play, I Witness at the Mark Taper Forum. Lowman's performance in Eve of Understanding is captivating. It is heartfelt, and hits all the marks throughout the film. Lowman "is the part," and it is consistent with the passion of the filmmakers, and entire cast on the Eve of Understanding. Like Lowman's performance,which will be a great discovery for Hollywood, Eve of Understanding is a discovery film, understated, done on a shoestring, and utterly convincing throughout. Exactly what we need more of...a film that feels real."

- Don Franken Executive Director, The 9th annual The Method Fest Independent Film Festival