Behind the Scenes of ‘Broken Layers’: Asia Bonetto on the Inspiration behind the Award-Winning Masterpiece

The Cannes Film Festival is one of the most prestigious events in the world of cinema, and it is every filmmaker’s dream to be part of it. For Asia Bonetto, a freelance producer based in Los Angeles, that dream became a reality in 2021 when her co-produced short film “Broken Layers” won the Emerging Filmmaker Showcase Award. In an exclusive interview, Asia shared the inspiration behind the award-winning masterpiece.

Asia’s experience at Santa Monica College played a crucial role in shaping her filmmaking career. “During my three years as a student at the college, I took multiple classes that included both film production and film studies,” she said. “These introduced me to the discipline of critical thinking and honed my sense of hands-on production experience.”

“Broken Layers” is a humanist portrayal of the Iraq War and its aftermath as experienced by Rosa, a half-Latina, half-Arab U.S. Marine veteran. Rosa’s struggle to find a job and readjust to civilian life is compounded by intense conflict with her father, Ali, who wants what is best for his daughter but doesn’t understand her desires. Despite her difficulties, Rosa finds solace in a quiet riverbed and a fellow veteran as a friend.

The film’s message resonated with audiences worldwide and earned critical acclaim. Asia believes that the film’s success is due to the collaborative effort of the team involved. “Everyone brought their unique perspective and ideas to the table, which made the film so special. We all worked together towards a common goal, and that’s what made it such a fulfilling experience,” Asia said.

“We wanted to create a film that was visually stunning but also emotionally impactful,” she added. “It was important to us to approach the subject matter with sensitivity and honesty and to create a safe space for our actors to explore these difficult themes.”

“Broken Layers” is just one of Asia Bonetto’s many projects. Her other noteworthy projects include “Slim Chances” and “The Ones Left Behind: The Plight of Single Mothers in Japan,” which are currently in the festival circuit. She’s also working on post-production of her latest venture, “A Journey,” and has recently completed an NYU Film & TV Industry Essentials Course. With her passion for filmmaking and dedication to telling diverse stories, Asia is sure to make an even bigger impact on the industry in the years to come.