"Willow Creek Road" is a short film centered on Ruth, a lonely Montana ranch hand who picks up two children on a remote dirt road. Over the course of a single afternoon, she invites herself into the fantasy of motherhood through laughter, play, and connection with the children — until reality intervenes when Joey, the children’s mother, returns home and the two women are forced to confront one another.
The film explores the inner life of an isolated woman set against the vastness of Montana’s landscape, using long roads and open skies as a quiet reflection of emotional distance, longing, and resilience.
I was cast as Joey, a working-class mother navigating the practical demands of survival. Grounded, direct, and protective of her way of life, Joey serves as the film’s anchor in reality, holding the emotional frame steady as Ruth’s imagined world begins to unravel.
The project brought together a collaborative team from Los Angeles, New York City, Connecticut, Washington, D.C., and Montana, led by creator and lead actress Jenna Ciralli. I also served as a producer on the film, contributing to pre-production development and crowdfunding efforts. “Willow Creek Road” was the recipient of a Big Sky Film Grant and was selected as one of 20 Hot Films in the Making by From the Heart Productions.
Directed by Francesca Mirabella, with Sheldon Chau serving as Director of Photography, the film approaches its visual language with restraint and intimacy... framing Montana’s natural environment as a restorative emotional counterpoint to Ruth's inner conflict. Producers Will Chilton, Dina Emam, and Jon Branden, Lois Schwartz - Co-writer, Joshua Lucas, First Assistant Director along with Bayard Lewis as 2nd Assistant Camera and Locations Manager, rounded out the core production team.
The film enjoyed a strong festival run, receiving multiple nominations and accolades. Festival selections and awards are listed below.
“Willow Creek Road” is currently available on the YouTube Omeleto channel — a curated digital platform recognized for presenting award-winning and festival-acclaimed short films from emerging and established filmmakers. The link to the film is below.
The film explores the inner life of an isolated woman set against the vastness of Montana’s landscape, using long roads and open skies as a quiet reflection of emotional distance, longing, and resilience.
I was cast as Joey, a working-class mother navigating the practical demands of survival. Grounded, direct, and protective of her way of life, Joey serves as the film’s anchor in reality, holding the emotional frame steady as Ruth’s imagined world begins to unravel.
The project brought together a collaborative team from Los Angeles, New York City, Connecticut, Washington, D.C., and Montana, led by creator and lead actress Jenna Ciralli. I also served as a producer on the film, contributing to pre-production development and crowdfunding efforts. “Willow Creek Road” was the recipient of a Big Sky Film Grant and was selected as one of 20 Hot Films in the Making by From the Heart Productions.
Directed by Francesca Mirabella, with Sheldon Chau serving as Director of Photography, the film approaches its visual language with restraint and intimacy... framing Montana’s natural environment as a restorative emotional counterpoint to Ruth's inner conflict. Producers Will Chilton, Dina Emam, and Jon Branden, Lois Schwartz - Co-writer, Joshua Lucas, First Assistant Director along with Bayard Lewis as 2nd Assistant Camera and Locations Manager, rounded out the core production team.
The film enjoyed a strong festival run, receiving multiple nominations and accolades. Festival selections and awards are listed below.
“Willow Creek Road” is currently available on the YouTube Omeleto channel — a curated digital platform recognized for presenting award-winning and festival-acclaimed short films from emerging and established filmmakers. The link to the film is below.
Images L to R above are from the Montana Film Festival, Monmouth Film Festival,
and also the Montana Film Festival (Amber Rose Mason, Jenna Ciralli, Mary Riitano.
and also the Montana Film Festival (Amber Rose Mason, Jenna Ciralli, Mary Riitano.
PRESS: Tap/click on the center picture above for the on-line article link for the MINT Film Festival
Images L to R above are from the MINT Film Festival and feature Alana Waksman, Marshall Granger, Allison Witmer, Mary Riitano, Jenna Ciralli, the Winner Laurel from MINT, and Jenna Ciralli and Mary Riitano accepting the award
Images L to R above are from the MINT Film Festival and feature Alana Waksman, Marshall Granger, Allison Witmer, Mary Riitano, Jenna Ciralli, the Winner Laurel from MINT, and Jenna Ciralli and Mary Riitano accepting the award
ARCHIVE LINK: Tap/click on the right picture above for the link to the SD Film Festival Archives
Images are from the South Dakota Film Festival
Jenna Ciralli Mary Riitano in left and middle photos | photo on the right: Thomas Black, Jenna Cirallli, Mary Riitano, Diane Sundstrom
Images are from the South Dakota Film Festival
Jenna Ciralli Mary Riitano in left and middle photos | photo on the right: Thomas Black, Jenna Cirallli, Mary Riitano, Diane Sundstrom
Clicking on the image below takes you to the
YouTube landing page to watch the film
YouTube landing page to watch the film
“Willow Creek Road” Screened at the following festivals:
The film was awarded:
- Maryland International Film Festival
- Seattle International Film Festival - Special Screening
- NewFilmmakers Los Angeles
- Oxford Film Festival
- Hollyshorts Monthly Series
- BLOW-UP International Arthouse Film Fest – Chicago
- NIFF Houston
- Tulsa American Film Festival
- Bushwick Film Festival
- Crested Butte Film Festival
- South Dakota Film Festival
- Montana International Film Festival
- Monmouth International Film Festival
- Chain NYC Film Festival
- Women Texas Film Festival
- Bozeman International Film Festival
- Montana Film Festival
The film was awarded:
- Best Narrative Short – Monmouth Film Festival
- Best Cinematography Short – Chain NYC Film Festival
- Best Actress (Jenna Ciralli) South Dakota Film Festival
- Best Performance of Fest, Actors Awards – LA
- Best Montana Made Film - Montana International Film Festival
