It took 13 years for this story to become a film.
And strangely… now is the perfect moment for it.
In this video below I share why and what happens next.
This film only exists because of an incredible group of people who donated their time, talent, and money to make it happen. The list is huge and I can’t tag everyone here, but I’m deeply grateful to all of you. 🙏
We also reopened donations to help cover film festival submission fees and bring this story to more screens.
Watch the story.
I can’t believe that in just 20 days, it will be one year since we shot the first day of The Fat Lady - She Just Wanted to Be Called by Her Name.
"Shouldn’t it be ready by now?"
"Didn’t you plan to premiere it last year here in Indy?"
"Weren’t you going to submit it to film festivals this year?"
Trust me, I would have loved to follow the original plan. But here's what I've learned these last 3 years: Plans are important, but letting go and trusting the Universe, God, or whatever source you believe in is just as important.
As someone who tends to control everything (and I mean EVERYTHING), letting go has been tough, but I'm learning. Slowly. 😅
The journey hasn’t been easy—believing in myself to make this film happen, finding resources, building a team, and overcoming two cancers within two years. I’d say I’ve done pretty good so far.
This image was taken today as I’m (re)starting to look over the first draft that the beloved Rafael sent me in June—right before I had to pause everything due to unexpected surgeries. When I saw it again, even without color correction and other final touches, I couldn’t help but tear up. It’s just... amazing.
Indie film is for the brave. It’s for those who want to shake the status quo and make a difference by telling stories that are sometimes hard to tell.
I'm, Rita Avellar, thrilled to share some exciting news! My journey of filming my first short film, The Fat Lady - She Just Wanted to Be Called by Her Name, has been featured on Stage32, the largest online community connecting and educating creatives and professionals in the global entertainment industry.
Creating The Fat Lady has been nothing short of transformative. From writing the script to directing, producing, and even playing a small role, this project has pushed me to new creative heights. Throughout the process, I was constantly inspired by the supportive and vibrant community at Stage32. It’s a platform that not only connects like-minded individuals but also provides invaluable resources and opportunities for growth.
I’m beyond grateful for everyone who has supported me on this journey. Whether you're a seasoned filmmaker or just starting, I encourage you to dive into the world of Stage32. It’s a place where creativity thrives, and dreams take shape.
Curious to learn more about my experience? Check out the full story on Stage32: Read the full story here.
Let's continue to inspire each other and create magic! 🎬✨
