The Westhampton Beach Performing Arts Center will be hosting a premiere of the film Love…Reconsidered on Saturday, September 30th at 7:00 p.m. in the Mollie Parnis Auditorium. This is the charming romantic comedy starring Sophie von Haselberg, Judy Gold, Marisa Ryan, Elaine Bromka, Luke Gulbranson, and Colton Haynes, set between New York City and Southampton.
Love…Reconsidered is based on Arielle Haller-Silverstone’s true love/life story, and she wrote the screenplay after losing her job during the pandemic where she then moved to the Hamptons. Haller-Silverstone is the co-owner of Le Closet, a curated consignment store, with locations in Southampton and New York City, and she can’t wait to premiere this film at WHBPAC and connect with viewers.
The screening will also include a panel discussion with the filmmakers moderated by Kate Schumacher and Carinn Jade of the well-known podcast Pop Fiction Women. They will dive into the film’s characters and the complicated lives they lead, along with the filmmaking process that brought this movie to life on the screen. Arielle Haller-Silverstone spoke more about her inspiration for the screenplay, her background, and what she is most looking forward to for the screening.
Congratulations on your film Love…Reconsidered. Can you talk about the story behind this film and where your inspiration came from to write the screenplay?
Arielle Haller-Silverstone: I lost my job during COVID and started Le Closet from my studio apartment in Hell’s Kitchen. On a total whim, my dad knew a broker that knew a broker in Southampton, and I decided to give it a shot. I schlepped all of the clothes from NYC and opened on Windmill Lane (where the store still is today!). I knew there was a script within this story and had to make a movie.
Can you tell us a bit about your background?
Arielle Haller-Silverstone: I was an actress in the city for about a decade and made a short in 2018. I loved acting, and always will, but I really got the producing bug. I knew I wanted to continue to produce, but also realized I needed a survival job. To make ends meet, I worked as a voice and speech coach for executives, but when COVID hit, everything changed. After I opened the store, I really wanted to get back into my other passion: making movies.
What would you say is the main message or theme in Love…Reconsidered?
Arielle Haller-Silverstone: I think the most important message is finding truth; in life, in love, in work. My therapist, Ilene Fishman, wrote an incredible book called The Deeper Fix about discovering one’s authenticity. Our work transformed my life, and I wanted to use a comedic lens in exploring that story with an audience.
What was the process like to produce the film and see the story come to life?
Arielle Haller-Silverstone: It is the coolest. And, the hardest. I am very lucky to have an amazing EP, Ian Stone, who has supported this project from day one. He and his wife, Allison, were so hands on, so helpful, and so generous. Without them, this movie would not have happened. My producing partner, SJ Allocco, is also a league above the rest, and we had the best team. I am beyond appreciative of everyone who worked on this film.
Are there any writers, filmmakers, or other creatives who have influenced you?
Arielle Haller-Silverstone: Where to start!!! Gillian Robespierre, Greta Gerwig, Lena Dunham, just to name a few. Those are definitely my top three. I am obsessed with their work.
Does your location influence your writing and the stories you come up with in a significant way?
Arielle Haller-Silverstone: Absolutely. We live in one of the most beautiful places in the world, and I love having the Hamptons as our backdrop. I also have to say, I feel like I’m able to breathe here in a way that I could not in the city. It definitely helps my creativity.
What are you most looking forward to about the screening premiere of Love…Reconsidered at WHBPAC?
Arielle Haller-Silverstone: Screening with the Hamptons audience! I can’t wait to see it with our local community. So exciting.
Has the process leading up to the premiere been anything like you thought it would?
Arielle Haller-Silverstone: It’s been beyond my wildest imagination. After the premiere in September, we’ll hit theaters in February. Insane. I could never even imagine seeing my work on the big screen, let alone in theaters around the world.
What can viewers expect?
Arielle Haller-Silverstone: A lot of laughs, a lot of love, and a lot of fun.
What’s your favorite pastime on the East End?
Arielle Haller-Silverstone: Is it cliche to say the beach? Probably. But, the beach.
Is there anything else you’d like to share with our readers?
Arielle Haller-Silverstone: First, thank you for reading and for supporting the film! We’ll see you in theaters on Valentine’s Day, in addition to streaming platforms. SJ and I also have exciting projects in the works, so stay tuned for some fun stuff coming up. Lastly, Le Closet is open year-round in both Southampton and in NYC on Lex b/w 73rd and 74th; we would love to see you!
Head out to Westhampton Beach Performing Arts Center for a night of laughs and love this Saturday with Love…Reconsidered. For more information and to purchase tickets, visit https://whbpac.org/event/love-reconsidered/.
