Screenplay : A brand new day
Writer : Lissette Mehl Bastidas
Introduction:
“A Brand New Day” is an extraordinary screenplay that unfolds the poignant tale of Lissette, simultaneously the protagonist and antagonist in this riveting narrative. Based on true events, the story encapsulates a profound exploration of relationships, unforeseen challenges, and the indomitable spirit to overcome adversity.
Plot Overview:
The screenplay commences with a seemingly ordinary scene in a car, where Lissette and Alex engage in a heated argument during their return journey from an idyllic vacation in Italy. The discussion delves into the complexities of their relationship and the contentious topic of starting a family. Little do they know that this conversation will mark the beginning of an unforeseeable turn of events.
Turning Point:
The narrative takes an abrupt and dramatic turn when Lissette loses consciousness, leading Alex to rush her to the hospital. The revelation from the doctor is a devastating blow — a massive stroke has left the vibrant 30-year-old Lissette half-paralyzed, struggling with impaired speech, and unable to eat or drink. The story transcends fiction as it vividly depicts the harsh reality of a life-altering event.
Character Portrayal:
The strength of the screenplay lies in its succinct and clear portrayal of each character. Readers will find themselves seamlessly navigating the narrative, connecting with the protagonists on a deep and emotional level. The authenticity of the characters contributes to the story’s immersive quality.
Realism and Engagement:
More than a mere story, “A Brand New Day” unfolds as a genuine, real-life incident. The narrative invites readers to explore the intricate facets of life, drawing them into a compelling journey where every page reveals profound insights into the human experience. The mid-long read strikes a perfect balance, ensuring that readers remain captivated without feeling overwhelmed.
Recommendation:
This screenplay is not just a literary creation; it’s a testament to the resilience of the human spirit. The writer’s adept storytelling skills intricately weave the threads of the plot, leaving an indelible mark on the reader’s heart. We wholeheartedly recommend immersing yourself in this powerful narrative — a genuine reflection of life’s true colors.
“A Brand New Day” is more than a story; it’s a heartwarming journey that resonates with readers, offering a profound and uplifting experience. The masterful storytelling captures the essence of the human spirit, making it a remarkable and emotionally charged exploration of triumph over adversity.
To Lissette, the central figure in this remarkable narrative, your journey is an inspiration. The resilience and determination portrayed in the screenplay reflect not just a character but a testament to the triumph of the human spirit. Keep writing, keep moving forward, and may success accompany you on your journey. A brand new day awaits, filled with possibilities and victories.
About Screenplay:
When a young girl suffers a stroke, an universal portal opens up to give her spiritual aid and a strong message to humanity.Based on a true story
Lissette, let’s dive into the questions.
1. Can you share the inspiration behind “A Brand New Day” and what led you to turn such a personal experience into a screenplay?
I visited many psychologists right after the stroke. They told me that if I spoke about my frustrations it would help me, but they also told me if I “wrote” about them, that would help me even more. I started writing.
At the beginning I was very depressed and cried for every little thing. I never thought I could cry so much and that’s when the small miracles started happening: something inside of me cheered me up. I’m sure it wasn’t me; it was another entity. I started seeing life differently…while I was already writing. I had met the humor spirit.
I visited many rehabilitation centers in Germany, where I made many friends who were also very depressed, especially when doctors or psychologists convinced them to believe and accept their new situation. Then I felt another entity talk to me who convinced me to believe what I wanted to believe. I had met the imagination spirit.
In the early years of my recovery, I was blinded by rage. I couldn’t see the good things about my situation until I had written so much about it. Yes, writing about it helped me a lot. It not only took me out of my frustration bubble, I also realized my personal experience helped others.
Since the stroke, I feel myself inside a film. I am “The drama queen”. When I fall down, it happens in slow motion, people around me give themselves weird names like “Rambo”,when I see something spectacular in nature, it comes with soundtrack. And when a funny situation happens around me, the entire ambiance turns in color blue.
I asked myself: Is there another way to inspire a person better than with a film? The entities that helped me recover are not easy to transmit to anyone who is in that rage bubble.
Voices, images, music can do that. This is the reason I entered the adventure of writing my story as a screenplay, not knowing how to do it but having the basic in myself: I am living the story. A story to inspire.
First I read many books about screenplays. They only thought me the theory but not the part I wanted most: transmit emotions and strength to others. That part was left to me alone, but it was easy to do: I had to be sincere about my own feelings.
2. The turning point in the story is incredibly impactful. Was it challenging to revisit such a significant moment in your life during the writing process?
Many moments after my stroke are significant but as I said before: writing about it is part of my healing process.
Challenging is to go against all odds (doctors, psychologists, therapists or even professional screenwriters) But I had help in here: my spirits. The spirit of humor, of imagination and of music.
3. Your ability to weave a compelling story is impressive.Could you talk about the process of adapting and refining your storytelling skills?
Once I lived my story, it was very easy to weave: I saw myself still alive when doctors gave up on me. The humor spirit laughed when they told me I was never ever going to leave the wheelchair in my entire life. When psychologists told me to adapt to my new situation, the drama queen in me cried while my new entities were giving me ideas on how to escape those situations. I wrote about those situations in a funny way, that led to the weaving of the story.
That’s the time when I realized my initiative to inspire others wasn’t just a personal goal but a universal one.
The process of adapting took a long time, which it didn’t feel like a long time because I was very busy rehabilitating and writing my experiences.
Storytelling: theoretically, I have none, at least my body doesn’t. My spirit has: there is a thin line between living a story and showing it through words and that I was only able to learn thanks to many professionals. My cousin, Gustavo Bastidas, he is a filmmaker. He showed me. He is the one responsible for the storytelling during the coma, which I saw first impossible to write about due to its different dimensions.
Once he showed me and once I had understood the tricky way, I applied the same theory to the entire script. There, the imagination spirit took a big roll, speaking to me during my sleep through the pillow and telling me a better way to show a situation. First thing I did in the morning was write what he had told me.
4. The characters in your story are so vivid. How do you approach developing them, especially considering the real-life nature of the story?
When I say my post-stroke-life feels like a film, I am very serious. My brain is the director, my body is conducted by music and the scenery around me feels like a montage. My brain feels other people´s energy. When I describe a character, I’m describing his energy and that makes him so vivid, despite him being alive. We see people every day, we look at their bodies, their clothing, but only a few of us see what is inside of them: anger, happiness, etc. I focus on what I see and feel inside of them rather than their exterior. I didn’t develop them; they just came into my life. I am grateful for everyone, even the ones that made me cry or the ones who gave me negative thoughts. Every individual has something to teach us…of course, I only learnt that with time.
5. How do you ensure accuracy and authenticity in your scripts when dealing with real-world scenarios or historical events?
Research and it is based on my own life so that makes it easier. Sometimes it just happened. Let me explain: one therapist once told me “you are the only owner of your own destiny”.
A few years later I did piano and music lessons as a therapy. There, the teacher was so much in love with Beethoven, he had read all of his biographies and told me a story each time I went there to practice piano (he spared me hours of reading) He told me the story of how Beethoven had heard destiny nock on his door four times and that gave him exactly the first four notes of his 5 th symphony, so I made a joke about banging Beethoven´s head four times.
6. What do you find to be the most challenging aspect of screenwriting, and how do you overcome it?
To me, the most challenging aspect was and it is still today: separating reality from fantasy. Sometimes I get too creative in telling a story but then I realize, no one can ever believe that or “too expensive to produce” and there is the point where I tell myself: “leave it”, “carry on” …or “carry on but stay realistic”.
To overcome this problem, I just tell the story to someone and expect to feel his spirit in return. Children´s spirits are the easiest and most honest ones. If it is a funny story, I can tell a fake from a real smile.
Another challenging factor for me particularly is the English language. I am not a native speaker and had to undergo many corrections. Proofread from a proofread by native speakers. But at the end I overcame that problem with jokes. Many jokes regarding playing with language or language misleading. I speak 5 languages fluently therefore it is very easy to confuse them.
7. The characters in the screenplay are so well-defined. How did you go about creating them? Were they inspired by real people or entirely fictional?
They are all inspired by real people, even the spirits are inspired by real people who have passed and influenced my life.
8. What message or emotion do you hope readers and viewers take way from “A brand new day”?
Reunion. I want humanity to reunite. To love each other despite differences. I want them to see and feel nature and the animal kingdom the same way I see it because if they do so, they will learn to love it. I want them to feel the same power I feel when I connect to the universe. I want to cause them goosebumps when they stare at their own pet´s eyes. They will feel that when they enter my mind through a film.
9. ”A brand new day” is a powerful exploration of resilience. Do you envision continuing to tell stories that draw from personal experiences on your future projects?
My personal experience brought to my life the spirit of imagination. That spirit continues to give me new ideas day after day. Yes, I envision myself helping many in the industry with their lack of imagination. I already have many stories in mind, not structured or so well defined to have the next screenplay by tomorrow, but it is a goal.
10. Lastly, can we expect more screenplays from you in the future? Or do you have other creative projects in mind?
I have many creative projects in mind and that also include more screenplays. It took me a hard time to learn and I won’t give up so easily now that I know. You can count with many more screenplays as long as I live. They are somehow related to “A brand new day”. These are their titles: “The first dragons”, “my friend Bo”, “the spitting llamas”, “La cucaracha” (the cockroach) and “the naked butt”.
Basking in the brilliance of our conversation with Lissette Mehl Bastidas, a luminary in the world of storytelling. Her work is a tapestry of authenticity, intricately woven with dedication and attention to detail, leaving an indelible mark on audiences. On a personal note, our gratitude knows no bounds for the opportunity to engage in this insightful dialogue. We trust the conversation was as enjoyable for you as it was for us. Once again, thank you. Stay intertwined with the vibrant MDIFF Community, for your presence and exceptional work are treasures we hold dear!
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