Diana Krause Martinelli (Oliver),
Weddings From My Window
March 1, 2016
How did you find out about Joanie 4 Jackie and how old were you at the time?
In my 30’s I studied video production and created a video of the wedding processions that came to the park across the street from where I lived in New York. At the time I was in an abusive relationship, the narrative of the piece against the pageantry of all these weddings was the bases of my story.
What interested you about the project?
At the time I created this short film I wanted to share with women thoughts of hopes, dreams, marriage and choices that we get to make. It was a great place to express being a girl.
At the time you participated in Joanie 4 Jackie did you consider yourself a filmmaker? What was your relationship to making movies?
A student filmmaker, this project was part of my going to film school to learn video production. Several years ago I started a record production company with my husband Maurice Oliver, called Electronfarm Records. Through Electronfarm records we have produced short music videos on Chicago El trains, Millennium Park, and pollution in the Sian Ka’an biosphere.
Do you have any specific anecdotes or memories associated with the project?
Through the years I have not shared this video it was in a format that wasn’t adaptable to most VCRs. My life changed after this and film making changed to only short music video projects.
I once shared this video with a women who was struggling with her own abusive relationship. After seeing the film she hugged me and thanked me for sharing. It showed her that there was life to be lived after an abusive relationship. It was one of the most rewarding moments in my artistic career.
What did you think/feel about the Joanie 4 Jackie at the time? And now, in retrospect?
I loved that it was a place to gather views of women by women. It was empowering at the time to be included. I have shown my video to battered women and they have thanked me for showing them that there is life out there even after such an ordeal. Going public was scary and invigorating all at once.
What institutions, groups, people, publications and movements were inspiring you at the time of your participation in J4J?
I was studying at Global Video Productions in SoHo NY
What do you do now – professionally and otherwise? Are you still involved in filmmaking?
I am a writer, artist, designer. Owner of a record label. Mother.