Fresh Kills

In actress Jennifer Esposito’s directorial debut, experience the internal workings of a notorious 1990s Staten Island organized crime family through the eyes of the women, young and old, often sidelined and forgotten in such narratives. Co-starring Domenick Lombardozzi (The Wire) and Annabella Sciorra (The Sopranos).Mafia boss Joe Larusso lives in Staten Island with his wife and two daughters, but this story isn’t about him. All too often, women in the mob genre are pushed to the periphery, only existing within the gaze of the men around them. FRESH KILLS provides a much-needed shift in perspective by putting women in the spotlight. At the center is the strong but volatile relationship between dissimilar sisters, Connie and Rose, and their mother, Francine, played by writer/director/producer Jennifer Esposito. Joe always ensures “his girls” are provided for, but that comes with unspoken expectations: turn a blind eye to the family business and follow in their mother’s footsteps as a loyal wife and mother. But as Rose matures, she’s not sure she wants the predetermined lifestyle her family has planned for her. With authentic storytelling, commanding performances, and impeccable late 20th-century production design, Esposito’s directorial debut delivers a gritty tale that explores the complex and often heartbreaking task of disrupting generational cycles. —D.O.Content Warning: This film contains material that may be difficult for some viewers. Viewer discretion is advised.GUEST(S) IN ATTENDANCE