Ann Pirvu – Learning to Love Again

By starrymag | January 29, 2021

By: Robert Warren

 

 

Q) Please tell us the premise for Learning to Love Again. 

A) I think of Learning To Love Again as an “unforgettable trip down memory lane.” I’ll tell you why that’s fun! [laughs] For starters, my character’s name is Jane Lane— and she’s certainly not plain. And it’s a romantic comedy about a woman who recruits her childhood nemesis to pretend to be her boyfriend for Thanksgiving weekend (what could possibly go wrong?…) The movie explores the nature of transitions and how challenging it can sometimes be finding your footing in life — staying true to who you are. And finding love in the most unexpected places. Will her past become her future? I’m excited for you to find out!

 

2) How do you relate personally to your character Jane Lane? 

A) I had such a blast playing Jane! We share a similar (lighthearted) wry wit, as well as flair for the dramatic. There were a lot of laughs, both on and off screen. I’m a little immigrant kid, so I’m pretty close with my family and I loved that Jane has a similar tightly knit relationship with hers — despite the shenanigans and sibling rivalry that ensues, ha! The film manages a perfect blend of fun, heartwarming, amusing family dynamics I have no doubt will resonate with audiences. The other cool thing I always recognized in her is a genuine tendency to… love hard. Love with intensity, crossed with the vibrancy of childlike innocence and wander. She’s wholehearted in all of her endeavors and so am I. It’s both a blessing and a curse: the radiance of a big, beautiful heart is sure to make a welcome lasting impact… BUT, when things don’t go your way, that same tender, open heart can hold on to pain longer than necessary and resist change. It was such a wonderful challenge reaching for the balance between those two dynamics as Jane’s life is turned upside down throughout the movie.

 

Q) Your character’s nickname is “Pinky,” why is that significant? 

A) I’m afraid I’d *spoil* the fun if I gave this one away. *wink wink* [laughs] Rest assured, you DO find out. And it’s ridiculous!

 

Q) Jane Lane goes through a lot from losing her job to breaking up with a long-term boyfriend. How do you think your character makes it through that international heartache? 

A) What a great question, because you’re right. The heartache is universal. And that’s why I loved the multi-layered approach our film takes to unfolding the story in the most meaningful and relatable way. There are inevitable points, in any person’s life, when they need a change. When they find themselves in transition from what was… towards the discovery of who they truly are and where they eventually want to be. Without giving too much away about what happens to Jane, the way she makes it through involves: Returning to your roots, self-awareness and owning who you are (With humor!! LOTS of humor because, in my experience, laughing and not taking yourself too seriously gets you through almost anything) and the courage to choose who you want to be in the world and make a change; DO something different. Of course, the most powerful catalyst for any meaningful change is —love. Deep. Unconditional. Honest. Healing love. When you open yourself up to it… it’s magic! And I truly can’t wait for you guys to watch the film and see the beauty of this in action.

 

Q) What do you think is the hardest struggle your character has to go through? 

A) The answer to your awesome question hides in plain sight in our film’s title. Without a doubt—baking. Oh wait, that was MY struggle! [laughs] Needless to say, I’m not much of a baker in real life, but the magic and wonder of film came together to work in favor of my *Learning.* Ha! For Jane (get it together, Pirvu!) It’s trust. [smiles] Learning how to trust in love again. And trust herself in the process.

 

Q) One of the things that ends up happening in this film is your character helps a stranger. How does this drastically change the events that follow in the film? 

A) A stranger, you say? *insert mischievous emoji*** Can’t answer this one without giving some important details away, so you’ll have to watch and see how this plays out guys!

 

Q) What were some of your favorite scenes to work on? 

A) If I say mixed NUTS, you’ll get what I mean. Throw in the always wonderful Kjartan Hewitt, with a sprinkle of bee-utiful Come from Away star Steffi DiDomenicantonio, mix well… The resulting scene is sure to crack you up! Jokes aside, there are truly magical performances from a dynamo ensemble cast that includes the incredible Karen Robinson (“Schitt’s Creek”), Richard Clarkin, Barbara Gordon, Tyrone Savage, Winny Clarke and the lovely Sabryn Rock. Can’t tell you what a joy it was getting to play every day with this talented bunch! There is a scene involving the whole famzzz and **appetizers** I challenge you not to laugh at!

 

Q) What was it like working with director Adam Swica? 

A) Adam has a very clear vision for what he wants to do with a project. He has an incredible memory and practically cuts the film in his head before setting foot on set— his attention to detail is next level! On top of that, we happen to have a very similar -quirky- VERY quirky sense of humor, which was immediately evident and unleashed a tornado of fun even during the audition process. He gets funny! [laughs] And he pushed me (metaphorically speaking, of course) when he needed to push, as well as allowed us the freedom to play and improv and discover above and beyond his structured plan for the shoot. Working on this film was one of the most organically collaborative and immersive creative experiences I count myself lucky to have had. And I’ll be ever so grateful to Adam for giving me the opportunity to do it.

 

Q) What have you learned from playing Jane Lane that you take away from working on this film?

A) To trust myself, as a performer, in a much more immersive way than I imagined possible. That is something I most certainly take away from this experience. Working with our amazing director Adam Swica and collaborating with the killer team at Vortex Media was a rare treat, surrounded by true artists that go above and beyond. It showed me what’s possible and I feel immensely thankful for that. There was such a collaborative, supportive, respectful atmosphere that brought out the best in everyone. And I don’t think I want to work any other way. [smiles]

 

Q) To the viewers, what do you hope they take away from the film? 

A) Last year I was beyond thankful we got to premiere and share Learning to Love Again with everyone in Canada, on Canadian Thanksgiving🙏🏻 as part of Hallmark Channel’s Fall Harvest lineup on W Network and Global On Demand. That was such a special experience, and we got some wonderful feedback. This year just started lol and already opened us up to an international audience. Learning to Love Again is newly available in the US and UK on the ROKU CHANNEL and I honestly couldn’t be more thrilled. To answer your question, I’m genuinely excited to see what THEY think – the viewers. [smiles] Because art is a subjective experience. What matters most is what the viewer retains… what resonates with them far beyond the viewing experience. What I know (and hope) you get to feel as you cozy up to our little romantic comedy… is a little bit more love in your heart, wherever you find yourself watching around the world. Our collective hearts can use some levity at a time like this. I’m so proud of this project and I hope it starts a conversation about learning to love again.

I welcome your thoughts and feedback on my social channels, Twitter & Instagram @annpirvu. Or @annpirvuofficial on Facebook.

Happy new year everyone, and special thank you to the fabulous Starry Mag team for the wonderful chat! Xo