Santa Barbara

MIRANDA’S VICTIM

Santa Barbara Film Festival 2023 Opening Film by Michelle Danner and starring Abigail Breslin, Luke Wilson, Andy Garcia and Donald Sutherland. It is based on the life of Patricia "Trish" Weir, who was kidnapped and raped by Ernesto Miranda in 1963.

With Director: Michelle Danner

Interview with director: Michelle Danner by Emmanuel Itier and Roxanna Bina at SBIFF 2023

Where does this film comes from and what were your intentions with it? 

Michelle Danner: George Kolber, our Writer/Producer was watching a program during the lockdown and asked the question when he heard the Miranda Right’s come on the TV “How did it come about? What happened to the victim”  When I was approached to direct this movie, I immediately saw how important this was, and how it needed to be told. I wanted people to know about an iconic story that changed the way people were being arrested, how much it affected civil rights liberties and how it changed the criminal system.

What challenges did you face making it? 

Michelle Danner: Well, this was a big movie with a wonderful ensemble cast. I felt very fortunate. There was a great energy surrounding everything. When I met Abigail Breslin who was so brave to sign on to play Trish, I knew that we were on our way to make it happen. We were lucky enough to shoot it on film, which meant we were careful, rehearsed more. You have to be more prepared when you are doing film but no matter how prepared you are and how much time you have, it’s never enough. And of course there’s always the logistics of shooting during Covid. Which upped the ante in terms of everything.

What are the themes of importance in your film? 

Michelle Danner: The themes that this movie talks about are universal. It’s about justice in a court of law, personal justice and karmic justice. This is about women being heard. What it takes to have the courage to speak the truth when people might not want to hear the real truth.

What is the take away? What impact do you hope this film has with the audience? 

Michelle Danner: I of course hope that people will be moved by Trish’s plight and inspired to keep supporting people that are wronged. I hope that the truth keeps being heard, and that people feel that justice has been served.

Being in the Santa Barbara film festival, what does this mean? Expectations? 

Michelle Danner: The Arlington Theatre at the Santa Barbara International Film Festival  is a great place for us to premiere the movie. When we were invited, we were told that audiences in Santa Barbara would like to find out about this film. We are very honored to be the opening movie and hope of course that it is received well and people like it.