INTERVIEW WITH NOAH DAVID SMITH

Adam Bloom is a tender coming-of-age story about a young photographer who sets out to absorb the wisdom of his famous mentor, yet ends up learning about life and love from his dying grandmother. Director Noah David Smith's own mother,  Abigail Smith, 78, takes on her first feature film role playing Adam Bloom's grandmother, Rosalia—a character based on her own mother.  

Q&A with director
Noah David Smith

Q: What was your inspiration for Adam Bloom?

A: Adam Bloom is a deeply personal film. Co-written by my wife and producer Elizabeth L. Smith and I, the story revolves around the relationships I had with my grandmother and mentor at the age of 21. My grandmother, her systems, and way of life were incredibly influential to me.

Q: How did you bring the story to the screen?

A: We did whatever we could to make the film happen. Making a micro-budget, feature film in New York City is both challenging and thrilling. We had incredible investors, a wonderful collaborative team, and a fantastic cast, all who came together to bring Adam Bloom to life. We filmed principal photography over 19 days – and then continued with additional B-Roll and portraiture.

Q: Was it a challenge to cast someone to play your grandmother?

A. It was a thrill to cast my mother (Abigail Smith at age 78), as Rosalia. Over the years, I’ve watched my mother transform into her mother, my grandmother. A life-long lover of film and the arts, Abby mother had never acted a day in her life. Her love for me, and her determination that I succeed in creating Adam Bloom, in many ways mirrors the story of Adam Bloom itself.  

Q: After working as a commercial Director, DP and Photographer, this is your first feature film.

A: Yes, it is. This is a project of many ‘firsts’. It is my mother’s first film. My first feature as Director (also DP). The first feature for the exceptionally talented and dedicated actor, Jake Horowitz (Adam Bloom).

Q: And David Margulies?

A: We were incredibly fortunate to work with the outstanding David Margulies on what became his last feature film. His performance of an artist wrestling with his own decaying body poignantly preceded his own death.  His appreciation of Jake was evident – he was truly pleased to be “mentoring” such a fine young actor.  

Q: What are your aspirations for the film?

A: Through making Adam Bloom, Elizabeth and I have further deepened our own story as creative partners.  Our hope is that this subtle tale of love and loss, set against the backdrop of Manhattan, resonates with viewers of all ages. That it reminds all of us about the power of an individual, and their capacity for emotional connection, openness, vulnerability, and love.