One of the most memorable highlights of this year’s Sundance Film Festival surely included the highly acclaimed reproductive rights project- “Call Jane”. The movie which revolves around the real-life underground abortion group from the 60s, “The Jane Collective,” was produced by Robbie Brenner and directed by “Carol” screenwriter Phylis Nagy. The film follows Joy (Elizabeth Banks), a 1960s housewife who unexpectedly falls pregnant when she meets the underground abortion group in a time before Roe v. Wade and finds her newfound purpose to help women take control of their destinies.
Critically acclaimed by the Sundance Film Festival and the Berlin International Film Festival, “Call Jane” showcased a star-studded cast including Bianca D’Ambrosio, Elizabeth Banks, Sigourney Weaver, Chris Messina, and Kate Mara.
Emmy-nominated actress and the youngest cast of the film- Bianca D’Ambrosio who plays the character of “Erin” in the movie rose to fame alongside her twin sister- Chiara D’Ambrosio starring in the 20-time Daytime Emmy Award-winning series “The Bay”. She also had recurring roles in some of the iconic projects like “Criminal Minds”, “Nicky, Ricky, Dicky & Dawn,” “See Dad Run,” and “Parks and Recreation”. Bianca is also set to appear alongside Katherine Heigl and Harry Connick Jr. in the Lionsgate film “Fear of Rain,” with Justin Long in Lionsgate’s “Lady of the Manor” as well as with Sean Gunn in “I Am Moral” and alongside Don Johnson in “High Heat” in 2022.
We recently had a highly insightful chat with the phenomenal 16-year-old actress Bianca D’Ambrosio about her acting journey so far, her experience working on “Call Jane” as well as what she has planned for her future projects.
Hi there Bianca. Thank you for joining us on FilmAesthete! How has the start of 2022 been for you?
Bianca: It has been great so far! In the first few days of January, I graduated high school which is definitely an amazing way to start the new year!
Before delving into your phenomenal acting journey, I’d like to ask you what it was initially that brought you closer to the field of entertainment. Was it a passion that you had from an early age or did it develop at a later stage in your life?
Bianca: When my sister and I were young, my parents would get asked all of the time why we were not in the entertainment business and my parents thought we were too young. A few years later, my parents decided to try it out and have us go on our first audition. One of our first few auditions was for “The Young and the Restless” and we got the part! We have been acting ever since and never looked back.
Let’s talk about your recent project “Call Jane”. First of all, huge congratulations on the film! What was it really that made you accept to become a part of this project?
Bianca: Thank you very much! I was drawn to “Call Jane” for many reasons. One of the most important parts of “Call Jane” is how female empowerment-driven the film is. I am honored to be a part of a project that not only touches upon an important subject matter but does so respectfully.
For the people who haven’t watched the movie yet, how would you describe the film as well as your own character?
Bianca: “Call Jane” follows the story of a woman who, before Roe V. Wade, is unable to obtain an abortion and discovers an underground group of women who are able to help her, and becomes to help others as well. I play Erin, who is Kate Mara’s daughter. Erin knows what she wants and is not afraid to speak her mind. She is Charlotte’s best friend and her shoulder to cry on.
What was it like working with the sensational Elizabeth Banks, Sigourney Weaver and Kate Mara as well as all the talented people affiliated with the project? Since this movie has already been acclaimed by Sundance and Berlin Film Festival, are you enjoying the response you have been receiving so far?
Bianca: To have worked with such an incredible cast was amazing. Everyone on set was extremely passionate about this movie and it really shows on screen. Yes! People have been so welcoming and excited about this film. I can not wait for more people to have the chance to experience “Call Jane”!
What’s your best memory on set? Any memorable behind the scenes you’d like to share with your fans?
Bianca: There were so many fun moments on set. One of my favorites was the in-between takes conversations with Elizabeth Banks. She would make so many hilarious jokes before filming an intense scene, which definitely uplifted the mood on set.
At such a young age, you have accomplished so much in your acting journey. How do you manage to balance your professional and personal life when it comes to elements like time management?
Bianca: It has taken a while for me to be able to learn how to balance my professional and personal life, but I have gotten better at efficiently maximizing my time. For example, during the beginning of the COVID-19 Pandemic, I decided to work ahead on all of my school work so that I could have more time later on to focus on my acting career.
What’s next for you, Bianca? Anything on your bucket list regarding the year 2022?
Bianca: Yes! This year I will be attending college so I am looking forward to experiencing college life. Additionally, I want to direct my first feature film with my sister. But most importantly, I am looking forward to spending more time with my family this year.
Lastly, is there any message that you’d like to give to your fans reading this interview? Bianca: Never give up. I know it is cliché but it is so true! I always think to myself, you never know what you could’ve achieved if you give up on your dreams.
