Monica is an intimate portrait of a woman who returns home after a long absence to confront the wounds of her past. Reconnecting with her mother (Patricia Clarkson) and the rest of her family for the first time since leaving as a teenager, Monica (Trace Lysette) embarks on a path of healing and acceptance. The film delves into Monica’s internal world and state of mind, her pain and fears, her needs and desires, to explore the universal themes of abandonment and forgiveness.
Born in Trento, Italy, Andrea Pallaoro holds an MFA in Film Directing from the California Institute of the Arts and a BA from Hampshire College. His first feature film, Medeas, starring Colombian actress and Academy Award nominee Catalina Sandino Moreno and Brian O’Byrne, premiered at the 70th Venice Film Festival and won several awards at prestigious international film festivals including Marrakech, Tbilisi, Palm Springs, and CamerImage. Hannah, Pallaoro’s second feature film, starring Charlotte Rampling, world premiered in the Official Competition of the 74th Venice Film Festival where Ms. Rampling won the Coppa Volpi for best actress. Hannah went on to receive many prestigious international awards and recognitions including a César nomination for best foreign film. Pallaoro has served on the juries of prominent world-renowned film festivals including Venice, Chicago, and Black Nights-Tallinn.