Film | Actor Debrinna Mansini To Play Georgia O'Keeffe in 'Awakening In Taos'

Sasha Pivovarova By Mikael Jansson For Vogue US February As ‘Portrait Of The Artist’

Vogue’s February issue honors the American southwest from Georgia O’Keeffe to the handworked embellishment of the Navajo Indians. While Anne has always wanted to study the female-centric culture of the Navajo people, we can say that Georgia O’Keeffe, a consummate smart sensuality painter, has been an Anne love forever.

Checking in on the artist, we note that New Mexico actor Debrianna Mansini was selected to play O’Keeffe in ‘Awakening in Taos”. From PR Web:

“Awakening in Taos” is being produced by an independent Santa Fe based film company headed by an amazing woman in her own right, Kathleen Peters and her partner Mark Gordon. Just the kind of company that fits with Mansini’s vision of promoting the roles of women. The film itself explores the story of Mabel Dodge Luhan’s transformational life as a writer, salon hostess, art patron and catalyst for change, fostering the way for Modern American Art and culture to evolve into the early twentieth century. “Not only is the story one that needs to be told, it is fundamentally important to continue to pave the way for young men to see strong women as role models. Most people, men and women, i would bet, don’t know the importance Mabel had on our art history. It is exciting to be part of this film and this team. What else can I say? Marsha Mason and Ali MacGraw? I feel blessed and my own dedication to my craft is coming to fruition.”

Narrated by Ali MacGraw, “Awakening in Taos” features Marsha Mason as the voice of Mabel. Zoe Zimmerman is slated to play the young Mabel and Mansini will portray Georgia O’Keeffe in voice over and on camera dramatic scenes. Gordon says, “We were invited to the Georgia O’Keeffe museum to see Debrianna Mansini perform in a reading of the letters between O’Keeffe and her husband Alfred Stieglitz. My concept of O’Keeffe in our film was based upon documentary films of the artist in her 80’s, I really wasn’t seeing her as a young woman. Debrianna’s characterization of Georgia was beyond my expectations. She portrayed a passionate young woman in her 40’s, in love with Stieglitz yet struggling to come to terms with his infidelities. The emotional intelligence she brought to the role was refreshing. She took the artist from the 1920’s and 30’s and made her a contemporary character sorting through issues as a woman and artist that many women today are just coming to terms with. I could see how Debrianna’s interpretation would appeal to contemporary women and make O’Keeffe relevant today. We are proud to include this beautiful, talented young actress in on-camera re-enactments and as a voice characterization in concert with Narrator Ali MacGraw and Marsha Mason as Mebel, whose voices bring the story of Mabel Dodge Luhan to life.”

About Debrianna Mansini: Debrianna Mansini (represented by O Agency) is an actress who combines her talent with activism. She is deeply concerned with using the voice of her craft to shed light on women and social justice issues. Her NY roots and training live with her in New Mexico, her enchanted home base, along with her husband, accomplished artist David Forlano. http://www.debriannamansini.com

From the AOC Archives

‘Waterfall’ by Georgia O’KeeffeGeorgia O’Keeffe | Art, Sensuality, Orchids, Divinity

‘Red Canna’ by Georgia O’KeeffeO’Keeffe to Chicago | Women’s Liberty Not Won