Queer Film Director Laura Terruso
The Youngest Person to Direct GOAT Robert DeNiro

Award winning director, producer, and screenwriter Laura Terruso is forging a path through Hollywood few others have. Only eight years out of film school, Laura has already directed four feature films, an episode of Apple TV’s Dickinson, and a forthcoming experimental documentary. She recently directed About My Father for Lionsgate, starring Robert De Niro, Kim Cattrall, and Sebastian Maniscalco. At age 40, Laura is the youngest woman to direct De Niro and is well on her way to icon status herself.

I got to sit down with Laura after attending a screening of About My Father.

Robert Dominic: Thanks for sitting down with Letters! First of all, I loved the movie. It was so funny yet also really heartwarming—my favorite combination. How did you originally meet/get connected with Sebastian Maniscalco, the writer and star?

Laura Terruso: My agent sent me the screenplay for About My Father, and it was the first time after reading a script that I leapt up out of my seat and said, “I have to direct this!” The film is about Sebastian’s relationship with his Sicilian immigrant father, and I have a Sicilian immigrant mother. Both our parents came to the US in the 1960s. I immediately felt such a connection to the story and themes of the film.

RD: Coming from a very Italian family myself, I know exactly what you mean. Growing up in Brooklyn, did you relate to Sebastian’s character? Were there any specific lines he said that you were like, “Yep, that was my life.”

LT: Absolutely! There were so many moments on set where I felt like DeNiro was channeling my mother. Sebastian has a stand-up bit about “the parent price,” about how kids of immigrants have to tell their parents they paid a lower price for something because if they knew what we actually paid, they would freak out. It’s so relatable.
RD: Did you have a favorite DeNiro performance before working with him?

LT: It’s too hard to choose! He’s such a master of the craft and is so committed to every film and performance. Working with him was a dream. He’s a brilliant collaborator.
RD: You also directed Sally Field. What is one thing about the three-time Emmy winner that would surprise our readers? 

LT: She’s into booty rap. OK, maybe not exactly…but on the set of Hello, My Name is Doris, I put on some female forward dirty rap music (think Iggy Azalea) to set the tone for one of the party scenes, and she said she liked it! 

RD: Love that! “Black Widow” was my summer jam back when it came out. Any dream queer actors you would love work with in the future?

LT: I’m working on a project with Fortune Feimster in mind. I think she’s one of the funniest comedians out there. I’m also working on a TV idea with my friend Emily Hampshire. I’d love to work with Kate McKinnon, Sarah Paulson, and Wanda Sykes. Our community is full of hilarious women. I think it’s time for a lesbian Girls Trip!

RD: I already can’t wait to see it! Looking back on your youth, were there one or two movies that specifically ignited your love of filmmaking?

LT: I saw A League of Their Own when I was a kid and remember how thrilling it was to see. It was smart, funny, and inspiring and there were women at the center of it which in 1992 was a rare thing. I had the VHS and would play it over and over again—I memorized every word of it.

RD: I have to mention that you have directed a movie with a—wait for it—whopping 100% Fresh score on Rotten Tomatoes: Good Girls Get High. Why do you think that film has resonated so much with audiences?

LT: It’s amazing when critics respond positively to your work and similarly, it can be devastating when they don’t. Good Girls Get High is critic-approved, but not many people got to see it since it was only on HBO Max for a year. Meanwhile, About My Father seems to be dividing critics for some reason, but audiences love it. Ultimately, I put my heart into every film I make, and I know audiences can feel that in the work.

RD: What is one piece of advice you would give to the queer youth reading this article?

LT: Don’t be afraid of the things that make you different! They are your superpowers and embracing them will help you become the best version of yourself. ▼

About My Father is currently available to rent on Amazon Prime Video and Apple TV.

Robert Dominic is a freelance writer/blogger in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. He is proud to be one small blue dot in a very red state. He writes for numerous publications including Instinct magazine and his own blog, “The Gays of our Lives” (gaysofourlives.net).