Free Play

The short documentary “Free Play,” directed by the talented Alex Astrella is about a mother’s resilience leads to the creation of middle Tennessee’s largest all-inclusive playground, where everyone is welcome. I had the privilege to sit down with Alex and delve into the journey behind the lens.

For Alex, the inception of “Free Play” wasn’t just about fulfilling an academic requirement; it was about telling a story close to his heart. “I had to do a thesis project for being a master’s student at Vanderbilt University,” Alex explained, his eyes gleaming with passion. “Most people are doing data collection and case studies, which are fantastic. But I wanted to do something different because of my background in documentary film.”

“I reached out to the appropriate people, and that led me to Karen, our protagonist, and the other amazing families in the film,” Alex recounted, his respect for Karen evident in his words.

As with any creative endeavor, the documentary evolved during the filming and editing process. “We were initially planning on it being more like about a 30-minute piece,” Alex shared. “But as we did the edit, we realized… this can be a more compact story.” The focus shifted to Karen’s journey, her relationship with her daughter Tabitha, and their pivotal role in building the playground.

For aspiring filmmakers, Alex had these words of advice: “Just keep going… keep persevering.” He emphasized the importance of passion and determination, urging filmmakers to manifest the change they wish to see. “Perseverance is the number one thing,” he affirmed, a testament to his own unwavering dedication.

In the realm of film festivals, choosing where to submit a film can be daunting. However, for Alex, the decision was clear. “Festivals that are passionate about showing stories of people who might be underrepresented,” he explained. “That’s been a big part of submitting Free Play to festivals that highlight people in underrepresented communities.”

As our conversation drew to a close, it was evident that “Free Play” is more than just a documentary for Alex Astrella —it’s a celebration of inclusivity, community, and the power of storytelling. With Astrella at the helm, this film is poised to inspire audiences far and wide, reminding us all of the importance of perseverance and the beauty of embracing diversity.