Fina Strazza to Lead and Produce Indie Romance 'Any Way You Want Me'
Fina Strazza will star in and produce the romantic drama 'Any Way You Want Me,' directed by her mother Rana Strazza. She plays Billie Blake, who returns home to confront her high school sweetheart after her mother inherits a dress shop. The 1950s-set film is currently shooting in Toronto and being shopped to international buyers at TIFF's market.
The project pairs Fina Strazza with her mother Rana Strazza in a dual creative capacity, with the younger Strazza handling both lead performance and production duties. The story follows a woman returning to her hometown after her mother acquires a dress shop situated beside her former boyfriend's diner, forcing a confrontation with their shared past and the circumstances that ended their relationship.
The film is currently shooting in Toronto and is being presented to international distributors during the TIFF market. The ensemble includes Cobie Smulders, Iris Apatow, Brian Altemus, and Callan Potter. Production companies First Magnitude Films and Stagg Forrest Films are backing the project, with Matt Strazza, Rana Strazza, and Jeff Cryder serving as executive producers.
This film could appeal to audiences seeking nostalgic, character-driven romance amid a landscape dominated by franchise releases. The mother-daughter creative partnership may draw attention to family collaborations in independent cinema, while the 1950s setting and themes of rekindled love could resonate with viewers longing for simpler storytelling. The TIFF market presence suggests potential international distribution, and the mix of established and emerging cast members may help the film reach broader audiences seeking heartfelt period pieces.