Upcoming Short Film, Laurina, to Cast Light on Domestic Violence and Abuse on April 3rd

ALBANY – On April 3rd, the Madison Theatre is set to host the New York premiere of Laurina. Written by brother and sister Tom and Lora Lee Ecobelli, the film tackles the all-too-important topics of domestic violence and abuse. The film is being screened to raise awareness for the Albany Crime Victim & Sexual Violence Center. After the screening, there will be a discussion with the actors, creative team, and guest speakers.

Laurina is a short film based on a local Ballston Spa woman, Laura (Laurina) Ecobelli, who, in 1923, defied the odds and won a landmark child abuse trial. Eighty years before the #metoo movement, Italian immigrant Laurina not only survived but triumphed over an abuser that left her pregnant at age 13.

The film is being screened to raise awareness for the Albany County Crime Victim and Sexual Violence Center in Albany, NY. After the screening, there will be a talkback with the actors and creative team. And guest speakers.

Laurina grew up to be the successful owner of the beloved Ecobelli’s Tam O’Shanter Restaurant in Ballston Spa, which served the community for 50 years. Laurina kept her courageous story private but was always quietly helping women in need who were victims of domestic violence. Then, shortly before her death, she gave the harrowing journal of her experiences to her grandchildren, Lora Lee and Tom Ecobelli, with the request that her story is told to help others. The siblings made that promise and went about further researching her astonishing story and developing it into a screenplay.

After many years of trying to get the film made prior to the #metro movement, it finally attracted the attention of two-time Emmy award-winning director Sylvia Caminer who signed on to direct the project, along with award-winning producers Michelena Scorzelli and Chris Gaunt. And the legendary film composer David Amram (the Manchurian Candidate and Splendor in The Grass) wrote the musical score.

Filmed entirely in the Capital District with some scenes shot in the actual location where the events happened, it features young rising star Adriana Camposano as Laurina with Jenna Kurmemaj and Stephen Schnetzer, along with a cast of talented local actors.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:

There are two free screenings for this event; 5:00 pm and 7:00 pm. While the 7:00 pm screening is SOLD OUT, there are still seats available for the 5:00 pm seating. To attend, please make your reservation here.