Ernest Anemone’s “Family Affair” delivers humor, warmth, and a portrayal of family ties and friendships, all encapsulated in a short film. It intriguingly feels like an introduction to something larger, inviting viewers into the lives of characters they would love to delve deeper into. That is precisely the vision Anemone had in mind.
Fresh from its premiere at the Provincetown Film Festival earlier this month, Anemone is expanding “Family Affair” into a serialized narrative. The plot orbits around Tanner, portrayed by Bear D’Angelo, a high school senior navigating the rollercoaster of teenage life. But this isn’t your conventional sitcom: Tanner’s mysterious activities involve a conspicuous duffle bag, his mother delivers unforgettable lines, and his science class boasts a skeleton humorously named “Boner.”
Throughout the film, Tanner encounters a diverse group of characters in familiar settings like his family home and school, elements reminiscent of traditional sitcoms. The late entry of Tanner’s father in the storyline promises an engaging dynamic that could differentiate the series.
Behind ‘Family Affair’
Director Julio Dowansingh crafts a heartwarming ambiance, working alongside a talented crew primarily comprising queer, female, and BIPOC individuals. Noteworthy performances are seen from Donna Vivino, portraying Tanner’s vivacious mom, and Corey Barrow, playing Tanner’s loyal best friend. The film’s visuals are brought to life by cinematographer Emily O’Leary, and its production was spearheaded by Anemone, in collaboration with Kyle Burt, Amy DePaola, and John de la Parra.
Anemone’s career trajectory is truly distinctive, which lends him a unique approach to filmmaking. “My journey began in the legal realm as a trial lawyer. Upon realizing my fervor for acting and cinema, I began harnessing theater education methodologies to empower individuals and entities to share their narratives more compellingly,” he explains.
“Family Affair” was undeniably one of the highlights at the Provincetown International Film Festival, showcased at the delightful Waters Edge Cinema. As highlighted in our post-festival coverage from June 14-18, Provincetown’s festival has an impeccable reputation, not least because of its selection of engaging and reflective films like “A Family Affair.”