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HERALD Vol. 35 No. 40
D’Esposito sparks ethics concern
Bake sale raises over $15,000
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SEPTEMBER 26 - oCToBER 2, 2024
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Two lifelong friends hit the silver screen this.” Festa, 28, graduated from Syracuse University, where she Rockville Centre natives had studied acting. She was Britt Berke and Caroline Festa originally focused on the thewere filled with excitement at ater, but decided to shift toward the opportunity to premiere film and TV in the midst of the their new short film, “Ships,” coronavirus pandemic. “After the pandemic hit, the at the SoHo International Film industry kind of Festival on Sept. 18. took a shift into The 12-minute more TV and film,” short follows Beth, Festa explained. “It a yo u n g wo m a n was the first part struggling with of the industry that manic depression. came back.” After an intense The idea for the emotional episode, film came from her she seeks help from CARolINE FESTA own experiences her therapist. Writer, producer with mental illness When her therapist and star of ‘Ships’ and a desire to creis called out to an ate a story that emergency, Beth is could connect with left in the care of Dr. Uhzo, a seemingly bumbling figure who others going through similar might hold the key to unlock- struggles. “The film came from my ing her path to healing. This film marks the first own personal experience dealtime Berke and Festa have ing with mental illness,” Festa worked on a film together. For said. “I wanted to help people Berke, 28, the experience was and let them know that they’re both challenging and reward- not alone.” The film explores Beth’s ing. “This was the first time emotional journey, which Festa either of us have worked in notes is filled with extremes. film,” Berke said. “Caroline is a “Her meltdowns are dramatrue visionary. She wrote, pro- t i z e d a b i t , o t h e r w i s e i t duced, and starred in it. She would’ve probably been a more was absolutely luminous in Continued on page 11
By DANIEl oFFNER
doffner@liherald.com
M
Tim Baker/Herald photos
‘Pinktember 12’ celebrates breast cancer awareness Registered Nurse Keshanna Young, above left, Personal Care Assistant Derani Ramkhelawan and Registered Nurse Sima Mathew, of Catholic Health’s Mercy Hospital in Rockville Centre, celebrated Pinktember 12 with a treat. Security Director Michael Gildea, right, made a splash in the dunk tank during the festivities. Story, more photos, Page 10.
ental health is a journey.