A multi-award winning actress, recognized both nationally and internationally for independent film work at various film festivals around the globe, Janel Tanna stars alongside Julia Silverman in Intervention written by Deon Van Rooyer and directed by Linda Palmer. The film is about A woman who faces depression and opioid addiction head on, encountering an unlikely source of help. Still on the festival circuit, Intervention just screened as an official selection of HollyShorts monthly selections and won the audience choice award. Also recently accepted to New Jersey Webfest Sept 2021, First Frame International Film Festival, in Las Vegas, July 2021, California Women’s Film Festival 2021, and NJ Webfest Sept, 2021.
The film Intervention is a raw and deep look into addiction and family trauma. Why is this film timely?
I think both addiction and family trauma can affect all humans at various levels or in various ways, be it directly or indirectly. So, there will never be a right or wrong time to explore and share experiences, interpretations or truths. I do feel that awareness and acceptance of mental health issues in general has increased over time, although more strides hopefully will continue to be made. In terms of addiction, specific opioids, our lead producer, Julia, found the topic very timely due to the opioid crisis and it’s effect on Americans and humans across the globe. For me as an actor, the time is always present to attempt to explore and expose internally your truth, and how that touches you with hopes it affects others.
How did you prepare for your role?
I don’t use one school or train of thought, but I am trained in both method acting and Meisner. I also do specific character work when a role comes up with Carl at Susan Batson studio. For me, I use what I need to create someone to the point that once filming everything that happens is that person’s truth, as raw as possible. The preparation happens before, spontaneous things happen in the moment. I do personal things to create someone in my mind and soul from an early enough age, if needed I also spend time doing research and with people that may have more closely experienced it, although you can always connect with the human condition. Loss is loss, longing is longing, love is love, relate, feel and create.
Tell us about the Civil Disobedience Series, directed and created by Linda Palmer.
This is a series created by Linda Palmer, consisting of important social issues. Interestingly, the scripts are all from various different talented writers. So they are a series of short films in a way. I am going to act in Registration, a very interesting and personal story created by Linda herself. I will leave her to share any other details.
You will play the lead role in the short film, A Journey Told. How will this role stretch your acting abilities?
I am very excited about portraying Carol Galvin in a Journey Told, by Rick Galvin and directly by Elisabeth White. I am happy to say I got word it is now a feature so we will be shooting early in the new year. I cannot say too much but I am really looking forward to it, and every role stretches and grows my acting. I am really looking forward in bringing Carol’s truth to the screen as best I can, to help tell Rick’s moving and important story.
You were in the “Maxim Hot 100” list, June of 2019. Can we expect to see more cover stories? What is next for you?
That was such a great experience, I am really grateful to Maxim. I have had several features recently with more coming out soon. I am grateful for every opportunity that aligns with my energy. Recently in a Harper’s VN feature, and just got very exciting news about a publication I have been manifesting and wishing on for a while. Life is not always great, and we all have our struggles, but it is nice to cherish the good moments and opportunities. I will once again be on the cover of Style Cruz a fashion editorial magazine in the coming months. So excited for that as well. I hope to continue with psychiatry and continue to grow my acting skills as much as possible. Also, Intervention has been making it’s rounds on the festival circuit and we are very grateful. We recently won the audience choice for the Hollyshorts monthly event, and are screening in Los Angeles, Las Vegas and New Jersey in the coming month or two. We are grateful for wins and nominations that we have received. I also have some acting wins/noms for the film, which really is a tribute to the entire team. I love working with the team.
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