6 minute read
CREATING OPPORTUNITIES
RESILIENT MAGAZINE
CREATING OPPORTUNITIES THROUGH RESILIENCE
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HOW CHANNELLING EXPERIENCES PUSHES YOU FORWARD
By Anna Primiani
Anna Primiani Actress and writer One of the greatest pieces of advice I ever got came in the last two years, during the global pandemic that impacted and transformed us all in various ways. Like many who turned to their favorite streaming services to find laughter, drama, or action/adventure to distract from the doldrums of pandemic life, I chose to revisit one of my favorite series, Sons of Anarchy, by writer/creator, Kurt Sutter.
As I re-watched the series, my appreciation of its compelling story led me to follow Kurt on Twitter and get a better understanding of his creative process and tell stories that spoke to pain, loss, and overcoming obstacles in the human experience. His advice to writers, “Don’t worry about what’s going to sell or what’s popular…write from pain. Write from shame. Write from the places that scare you. If it’s not a risk, then put down the f***ing pen and do something else.”
As an actress, producer, and award-winning writer, this spoke to me. Not everyone is going to love what you create, but it’s important to pursue things that fulfill you. Whether it be acting, writing, cooking, fitness, parenthood, work, etc., do it because it makes you happy. We only have so much time in our days, and it’s difficult to balance it all. I say this as I’m also a mother, daughter, wife, teacher, and friend, and I know that women play many roles in
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everyday life. However, it’s also important to find the time to dedicate to yourself and the things you’re passionate about, and this is where channeling your experiences can push you forward.
I lost my father to cancer at a young age. We were also moving, and I was often the target of bullies. These moments can either break you or make you stronger. For me, it taught me compassion, understanding, and not to fear failure in the pursuit of dreams because there is no promise of tomorrow.
As an actress, it’s hard to wait for that call from your agent that you have an audition, then you pour your time and soul into it, followed by a waiting game to see if you’ve booked the role. I’ve been fortunate to play some interesting characters, from Cleopatra in Disney’s Treasure Buddies to a grieving mother in She Could Be You (based upon a true story), but I know the cycle of agonizing feelings from waiting or rejection in trying to book a role. It can be crippling. You can’t live in that headspace or let it define you. We need to be lifelong learners – to evolve – and continue to challenge ourselves. This is where I believe you can create opportunities through your resilience.
I’ve always loved writing and telling stories. In the past few years, this motivated me to write what I want and about topics that I find interesting and relevant. Leveraging my life experiences – the moments that have added to my resiliency – has made it easier to write about difficult topics. When I conceived the story for the short film, The Choice, I was intrigued by a tale of heartbreaking yet beautiful, sisterly love, and how illness and caregiving can have a ripple effect upon our choices. It showcases how a shared experience can create a differing resilience that leads to drastically opposed decisions despite best intentions between people who love one another. Having co-produced, wrote, and acted in the film, I’m excited to see the response of audiences to the film’s contentious question and what it says about resilience of the human spirit. The film is entering the festival circuit this year.
Another example is Weight, my award-winning script about a woman who is tormented by the death of her father but must return to her distant family, looking for the courage to move forward with or without them. While the characters, the setting, the plot, in both are works of fiction, the feelings and emotional journey is not. As a woman in writing, I create characters that are for women and speaking through a woman’s voice and experiences, in hopes of resonating with the female spirit.
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Recently coming on as Producer of Queens of Resilience with Kim Hayden, has made me further realize the importance of resilience and that there are many amazing women out there with resilient stories to share. Kim connects with women across the world that have faced adversity, illness, or abuse, and yet find a way to succeed in life, both personally and professionally. The show is energetic, uplifting, and inspires women by showing them that no matter what happens in our lives, we can all be Queens of Resilience. As I move forward, I look forward to growing my own resilience and sharing these stories with others to inspire and grow as well.
Anna Primiani is an actor, producer, and awardwinning writer. Her film credits include Disney’s Treasure Buddies, She Could Be You, and Abducted (2021). Her award-winning script Weight has received official selection in 5 festivals best short screenplay, winning one. Her new short film The Choice will be seen in upcoming festivals.
Connect with Anna IMDB: www.imdb.com/name/nm2420726/ Instagram: @annaprimiani
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WHERE'S KIM BEEN?
Attended event hosted by Axis Connects Calgary along with (l-r) Calgary Stampede Princess Jenna Peters, Brenda Thompson, Director of Community Engagement Strathcona-Tweedsmuir School, and Calgary First Nations Stampede Princess Sikapinakii Low Horn.
NATIONAL PUBLICITY SUMMIT
I was asked to sit on the media panel for authors, speakers and entrepreneurs. WOW! Some truly talented people share their zone of genius and passion.
THE COURAGE TO LEAD PODCAST
Interview with Coach Harlan From The Courage To Lead Podcast on The Courage to Quit Waiting and Take Action. CREATIVE SIDE BUSINESSES FOR WOMEN
Interview with Carrie Nerbonne about start a side hustle or build a business that feels fun, is profitable, and gives you a flexible schedule. RESILIENT TV!
Watch full interview with founder of Transforming style!
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MACKAY'S ICE CREAM IN COCHRANE
We had a lockbox to pick up in Cochrane for real estate so we made an adventure out of i and stopped at MacKay's for ice cream!
FASHION SHOW TRANSFORMING STYLE
Transforming Style provides support, beauty & styling services and wardrobe to 2SLGBTQIA+ community members in Canada who face barriers to access.
CALGARY PETROLEUM CLUB AT STAMPEDE
Kicked off the Calgary Stampede at Petroleum Club member's evening. Enjoyed great food and company including Obrey Motowylo, World Professional Chuckwagon Association Champion. TOO LEGITIMATE TO QUIT PODCAST
How are you showing up in your business - as an expert, as an advocate, as a supernova? Or are you playing it safe? Putting yourself out there dayafter-day is freaking HARD - it requires so much of us: courage, confidence, grit, faith. But we can so easily undermine all these traits with spray-and-pray marketing efforts and misplaced humility. What would change if you fully owned your expertise and took up more space? Kim talks Legitimacy, Tenacity & The Wizard of Oz on the Too Legitimate to Quit podcast with Annie Ruggles
toolegitimatetoquit.com
