Out Actress Ashleigh Sumner Arrives in “And Then Came Lola”: Autostraddle Interview

Out lesbian actress Ashleigh Sumner is mega-hot and stars as the title character in the new free-wheelin’ lesbian romantic comedy And Then Came Lola alongside Jill Bennett & Cathy DeBuono. This isn’t just another coming out story, it’s a funny guilty pleasure indie flick set in the super gay-ed up streets of San Francisco. And this time, writer/directors of the film went out of their way to cast lead actresses who were all openly gay — amazing, right?

Click here to read Ashleigh’s full interview with Jess on Autostraddle.com.

The star of new lesbian rom-com And Then Came Lola is causing ripples of excitement through the queer film industry. 30-year old Ashleigh Sumner plays the titular character alongside an all-lesbian cast in a part writer-directors Ellen Seidler and Megan Siler say she was born to play.

Rachael Scott met with the multi-talented film, TV and theatre actress who is also a successful painter during the London Lesbian and Gay Film Festival to chat about her breakthrough role.

What was it that attracted you to the part of Lola?
I was very interested in having the chance to play a comedic role because most of the parts I play are very hard drama. The CSI’s, Crossing Jordan – I’ve been on all of those and someone’s dead or something. The theatre that I’ve done is mostly drama, too, but I actually kind of think I’m pretty funny. [Laughs].

So, I was drawn to the opportunity to use those skills, but also the chance to be given the lead in a film. I’d never been given that opportunity before. I’d played leads in theatre all the time and, for a lot of the time as an actor, that’s really hard to do when you’re unknown. They took a chance and I wanted to see if I was up to the challenge.

Can you tell me where your character is in her life when the film starts?
I think my character is where a lot of people are in their late-20s and early-30s. I think that there’s a shift that starts to happen about that time of life for many people. Some people it’s earlier and some people it’s later, but I think you start to examine what a relationship is. What kind of stable relationship you would like, if you are ready for one.

I think part of that is when you become a real partner, when you are ready for that challenge. It’s showing up and what that is. Personally speaking, there are some growing pains involved in that and I think that’s where my character is. She’s figuring it out and I think when you meet the person who’s right for you, you realise that you want your best to be even better.

To read the full interview at GaydarNation.com go here.

Ashleigh Sumner stars as Lola, who has been something of a train wreck in her previous relationships but she wants to have something more serious with her girlfriend Casey (Jill Bennett). Casey calls her one day in a panic asking her to pick up some photos for a client presentation and to meet her in an hour at a bar across town. Lola is known for being unreliable and late for everything so she knows this is her chance to make things right. She goes on a wild crazy journey across San Francisco in a series of comical situations that she both causes and is a victim of. Lola’s former lover Jen (Jessica Graham) who runs the photo developing store where she is getting the photos, causes Lola think back to how things went wrong with Jen and how not to repeat the same mistakes with Casey. What adds to the tension is that Casey’s client is Danielle (Cathy DeBuono), a sexy Italian woman that Casey might have a past with. Once she arrives at the bar with the photos, it doesn’t go as Lola hoped and things are ruined between her and Casey. The next morning Lola wakes up again like it was a dream and it all happens again but Lola can try and make it right….and she then of course wakes up later again and to get a final third chance.

Go here to read full review in Toronto Film Scene.

So what was it about Run Lola Run that inspired you to write and direct your own version?
Megan: I think we both thought it was a great film obviously, but it affords you a lot of freedom to play with the media. The structure’s like Groundhog Day and this idea of doing something over and over and trying to get it right seemed perfect for a lesbian romp.

Ellen: What you alluded to really opened up the narrative possibilities and when you’re dealing with a low budget film, the fact that you can have great animation and integrate stills and kind of play with it in that way, it allows you some creative opportunities that you might not normally have.

Obviously it’s a hat tip to Run Lola Run and we named our character Lola because we didn’t want to pretend that it wasn’t, but it’s a very different film in many, many ways. We definitely thought the structure would be fun. It’s about having a fun time. It’s a little more up than the original.

Megan: Also, as a romantic comedy or a romp, it sounds a little fantastical. I think the pastiche of media and the whole kind of mixing of it allows you to be playful.

How did you go about casting the film? Did you have specific actresses in mind?
Ellen: Not initially. We did some casting in San Francisco and we found one actress up there called Jenoa Harlow who’s an out lesbian and plays the girl in the park with the dog. She’s wonderful but there really isn’t the pool of acting talent in the Bay area of San Francisco.

Megan: Ellen and I really wanted to work local.

Ellen: So we went down to LA and had open castings. We were really determined after that to find some actors who were actually lesbians, so we did some targeted castings and that’s how we found most of the people in our cast. We thought it was important for the success of this film that we had actors who understood the lesbian vibe.

We had a number of actors come through who were talented enough but it just seemed as if it would have been somewhat of a stretch to embrace the role they were going to be asked to play. And the sexuality, there’s a lot of that in the film and for them to be comfortable with that is a hurdle. Plus, I think it’s just great that we can have talented out lesbians in our film and show off their talent.

Megan: It’s also great for us because they understood and felt very supportive of the project. It ended up being a very collaborative film. The more people who are onboard and want to support this kind of project really helps independent filmmakers.

Go here to read the full interview in GaydarNation.com.

Loosely based on Tom Tykwer’s 1998 hit Run Lola Run, Ellen Seidler and Megan Siler’s version tells the same story three times over with differing outcomes, just like its predecessor. The writer-director duo pay homage to the original whilst giving it their own style and a few twists.

Such as the fact that And Then Came Lola is written, directed, funded, produced and acted by out lesbians. No mean feat within an industry where most people would struggle to name more than a handful of gay actresses who aren’t in the closet and working in Hollywood. Go here to read full review.

The relationship-challenged Lola (Ashleigh Sumner, a dead ringer for Jodie Foster) sprints around San Francisco to prove her fealty to girlfriend Casey (Jill Bennett) before Casey can get seduced away by a new business partner. Although it preserves the frenetic tripartite set-up of Tom Tykwer’s 1998 film, with Lola embarking on her journey three times (each with a different outcome), the lesbian-ified version of Run Lola Run replaces the crime and money with intense discussions about commitment. (Is that a rib nudge?)

Read more: http://thephoenix.com

Deja vu takes on a whole new meaning in the romantic comedyThen Came Lola. Filled with wall to wall pop music as well as vibrant performances, “Lola” is a lesbian romp done right.

The film is buoyed by a charming performance in Ashleigh Sumner, who plays Lola. She literally flails across the screen, running and panting up and down the hills of San Francisco, exuding a knack for physical comedy. She’s not exactly a likable character, but Sumner engages us thoroughly in her plight… guaranteed worthwhile entertainment for a couple of hours.

To read full review go here.

What Go Fish did for lesbian independent cinema in the 90s — with its edgy style and sharp dialogue — And Then Came Lola will do for it now, ushering in a new era of lesbian filmmaking. This groundbreaking feature takes the classic Sapphic romantic comedy and flips it on its ear with stylistic storytelling, quick wit and perfect casting. Inspired by the modern German classic Run, Lola, Run, this brilliant story is told in three different scenarios where sexy, commitment-phobic photographer Lola (Ashleigh Sumner) bounces around like a pinball through San Francisco transporting important designs for her drop-dead gorgeous lover Casey (Jill Bennett, Dante’s Cove) who is a marketing executive on the verge of landing a big advertising campaign through her seductive ex-girlfriend Danielle (Cathy DeBuono, Out at the Wedding). But relying on Lola — who is easily distracted — is increasingly difficult: Lola not only has a hard time arriving to appointments on time she has also had difficulty committing to a woman. There’s something about Casey, though, that drives this artist crazy, and this job is vital to the future of the relationship. Off and running, Lola dodges (multiple times) a meter maid, an unstable woman with a big dog, and her own ex (Philly’s own Jessica Graham.) Directors Megan Siler and Ellen Seidler have brilliantly crafted a engrossing feature complete with beautiful cinematography, animation, still photography, and high-energy soundtrack — all while highlighting the fun yet volatility of dyke culture. Tick tock, don’t be late or you’ll miss one hell of a ride. — Kelly Burkhardt

”And Then Came Lola”

Déjà vu takes on a whole new meaning in the romantic comedy “Then Came Lola.” Filled with wall-to-wall pop music as well as vibrant performances, “Lola” is a lesbian romp done right.

The plot essentially resembles that of the hit film “Run, Lola, Run.” Lola, a forgetful and aloof individual has had some very tough times with relationships in the past. Often accused of “checking out” emotionally, she certainly can’t keep a woman to save her life. When a new love interest, Casey (Jill Bennett), asks Lola to rush photographs for a very important client, the pressure’s on as to whether Lola will pull through.

Things get tricky when the film reveals the central plot structure as a dream sequence Lola must relive over and over. She wakes up and gets the same call from Casey asking her to rush photos for a client. Then along the way, everything but the kitchen sink gets thrown at her. Dog attacks, car troubles, ex-drama, crazy tourists, etc. On the first attempt, she fails miserably and loses her girlfriend to another woman. However, fate is determined to give Lola chance after chance until she learns how to get it right.

“And Then Came Lola” is fast paced, energetic and fun. The plot is hardly original, but the whole thing is pulled off in a fresh, sharp manner. Ashleigh Sumner is charming as Lola — she literally flails across the screen, running and panting up and down the hills of San Francisco — exuding a knack for physical comedy.

“And Then Came Lola” is highly recommended.

Ashleigh Sumner’s lead breakthrough role occurs in the new indie lesbian romantic comedy “And Then Came Lola,” which is loosely inspired by German arthouse classic “Run Lola Run.” Her performance in the independent film has received much attention including Advocate Magazine’s “One to Watch” honor at the 2009 OutFest Film Festival.

Ashleigh’s film work includes a lead role in the AFI short, “Mother,” which received awards at the Cannes Film Festival, Seattle International, and Florida Film Festival, along with being an official selection at AFI Fest, and receiving a New York Times Critic’s Pick. Her performance earned a Best Actress Nomination at LA’s Method Fest. Additional work includes appearances in the indie film, “The Hammer” and a lead role in Film Independents Directors Lab project, “Directed by Dorothy Arzner.” Ashleigh’s television credits include appearances on “Criminal Minds,” “CSI,” “Crossing Jordan” and a supporting role in the CBS television movie “The Locket” starring Vanessa Redgrave.

IFQ recently spoke with Ashleigh as she wrapped the 2009 film festival circuit with her indie gem “And Then Came Lola,” which recently inked a distribution deal and will be released by Wolfe Video in Spring 2010.

Ashleigh’s interview in Independent Film Quarterly-click here.

Women are also behind the camera for And Then Came Lola. The film opens promisingly, with a pair of gorgeous young dykes making out in a stairwell, and it just gets better from there. Directed by Ellen Seidler and Megan Siler, this 70-minute feature transforms cult fave Run, Lola, Runinto a lesbian romp through San Francisco. Who doesn’t love the idea of a story having three different endings from which to choose? That’s the premise of the film, with photographer Lola in a desperate race across town to deliver a critical set of photographs to her designer girlfriend, Casey.

Each of the three scenarios has its own set of vignettes with characters like a butch meter maid, who appears by turns cruel, simpatico, and turned-on by Lola. Interspersed throughout are witty cartoon segments a la Run, Lola, Run, comical postcard images of the characters, and psychiatric sessions in which the girls and their friends and lovers act up and rage on.

The dialogue from these sophisticated women crackles, as when Lola’s ex laments their lousy sex life: “When we met, she said she was immune to lesbian bed death.” And Then Came Lola has something so many gay indies lack—skillful acting. Underneath the clever comedy is a sexy, affecting romance that deserves play outside the gay festival circuit.

Link to review in Just Out:

From Alternative Film Guide, go here to read full blog post.

Fresno Bee Entertainment Beat

In And Then Came Lola – the much talked, highly praised, and increasingly popular new lesbian film currently making the festival circuit – Ashleigh Sumner plays “Lola.” The film is funny, sexy, exciting, and enormously appreciated by the lesbian community – and so is its star. Despite being extremely busy these days with Lola – which also stars Jill Bennett, Cathy DeBuono, and Jessica Graham – and her career in the art world, Sumner recently took time out to talk to Cherry Grrl and fill our readers in on what it was like to be a part of the movie, her very artistic side, and even her personal life – sorry ladies, she’s taken.

Link to full interview on Cherrygrrl.com

“Run, don’t walk to this one!”

AND THEN CAME LOLA (USA)
Imitation is usually the sincerest form of plagiarism, but in the case of this delightful low-budget comedy it’s a lot more than that. The film “sampled” is Run Lola Run, German director Tom Tykwer’s postmodern action thriller in which a bright-red-headed girl’s mad dash across Berlin to deliver a cache of cash is related three times with three different outcomes. In And Then Came Lola, directors Ellen Seidler and Megan Siler detail the far less melodramatic sprint of a spirited lesbian (Ashleigh Sumner) across San Francisco to deliver photographs to her current girlfriend (Jill Bennett), who needs them for an important business deal. “Current” is the operative term with Lola, who has other women in her past and her present as well (including Angelyna Martinez as a hilariously imposing meter maid). Ashleigh Sumner is a delightfully harried, yet determined center of the action, and the film offers a love letter to the city of San Francisco and its LGBT inhabitants with great style. (DGA, Fri., July 17, 7:15 p.m.) (David Ehrenstein)

LA Weekly review online here.

Check out this interview with LOLA star Ashleigh Sumner.

Déjà vu takes on a whole new meaning in the romantic comedy “Then Came Lola.” Filled with wall-to-wall pop music as well as vibrant performances, “Lola” is a lesbian romp done right…

…“And Then Came Lola” is fast paced, energetic and fun. The plot is hardly original, but the whole thing is pulled off in a fresh, sharp manner. Ashleigh Sumner is charming as Lola — she literally flails across the screen, running and panting up and down the hills of San Francisco — exuding a knack for physical comedy.

Go here to read entire review on Philadelphia Around Town.

Murray pointed to “And Then Came Lola,” a Centerpiece Screening that was inspired by 1998’s “Run Lola Run,” as one of this year’s most exciting films. “I hope it finds a general audience,” he said. “It’s fast, it’s funny, it’s well-made. It’s about beautiful women just living their lives.”

 

To read full article go here.