Cinematic Convergence

Sharing More Than a Name: 'Searching For Angela Shelton'

Searching for Angela Shelton is a gale-force storm in the recent resurgence of documentary features. Director Shelton located as many other Angela Sheltons as possible for an informal survey; she found approximately half of the 80-plus women interviewed had, like her, been victims of sexual and/or physical abuse. Her journey concludes on the steps of her accused-pedophile father's home. The Austin Chronicle recently spoke to Ms. Shelton about her remarkable experience.

Austin Chronicle: What sparked the idea for the film?

Angela Shelton: It was the writer's strike! [laughs] And as a writer, that's how I make my money. So I chose to raise some money and do a documentary. I always wanted to do something with my name, because that's interesting, the concept of other people sharing your name. I thought it would be a great way to survey women in America. And through calling them, I realized, "Oh, there's a common thread here." Because they wanted to know who I was. And as soon as I said the word "molested," it was like a floodgate. As soon as you share your story, people open up and share theirs, and here they were, these complete strangers, telling me that they've been raped.

AC: Was the original intent to show how widespread abuse is? Or in interviewing these women, is that what unfolded?

AS: My original intent was just to survey women in America. I had my general questions. ... The only thing that I planned to do was make it really inspirational.

AC: How did the film evolve once you hit the road? Your decision to confront your father and reconnect with your stepbrother ...

AS: That realization did not come to me until about halfway through. My crew knew, but I did not. I thought I was letting them know this huge realization. I guess denial runs in my family. I was in denial.

AC: About where the road was leading?

AS: Yeah. That's what I say when I get there. "All roads lead to you, dad."

AC: Ultimately, what did you get out of making the film?

AS: It changed my whole entire life. So I got my life back! [laughs] A sense of joy, and inspiration, and hope. I always say the Angela Sheltons were angels on my shoulders that ended up saving my life.

Saturday, Oct. 16, 9:40pm, and Tuesday, Oct. 19, 9pm at the Arbor