When tragedy strikes, how a family deals with the ordeal can make or break them forever.

The new indie film “Bring Me An Avocado” from writer/director Maria Mealla, explores how a family and close mga kaibigan deal with a mugging gone wrong that leaves a young mother in a coma.

It recently premiered at Cinequest, tying for the ‘Audience Award’ and earning praise for the performances. One of the stand-outs in the film is actress Molly Ratermann, who brought authenticity as the grieving but well intentioned sister who steps in to give the children a sense of normalcy.

Molly has been rising up the indie film ranks earning awards for both her pagganap and filmmaking talents. Over the last few years, she’s nabbed ‘Best Actress’ awards at the LA Film Awards, Studio City Int. Film Festival, International Independent Film Festival, Indiefest, and the Actors Awards. She created and starred-in two notable indie shorts: the mental health film “Suicide,” which earned 20 awards and screened at 25 international festivals; and the complex relationship drama “Lizze Lost.”

In between festivals, Molly Ratermann found some time to answer a few questions:


Tell us about your role in “Bring Me An Avocado.”

MOLLY: I play Aunt Greece, who also happens to be a bit “greasy” herself. While my sister is in a coma, I try to fill her role in the family, taking care of her kids and being a bit overly intrusive. It was fun to play this character who is totally not put together with her own life, but acts like she can help everyone else be put together.

What would you consider Greece’s ‘best’ quality? And her ‘worst’?

MOLLY: When Greece really cares about someone, like she does with her sister and nieces, her loyalty and pag-ibig for them really shines. She’s got a big puso for family, no matter what. Her worst, for me, was her lack of self care and cleanliness but don’t worry, I didn’t go method about it, I still showered.

Any interesting stories from the set you can share with us?

MOLLY: This was such a fun team to work with and for a drama, we had way too much fun making this film. Between pranking each other with fake pinkies and getting a security guard to strip at our balutin party, we have a lot of fun stories to share, but maybe those are better left up to the imagination.

What’s the biggest lesson you learned from working on this project?

MOLLY: As silly as it sounds, but my biggest lesson was learning that I hate having (fake) greasy hair madami than I’d have ever thought. I also learned that flour can fix greasy hair in an instant… and then make you look like you have major dandruff.

Do you have any other projects in the works?

MOLLY: At the moment, only a few on the pagganap front. I have a few features of my own that are deep in development. I’ll be in those, but right now, getting them off the ground is my main focus unless another great project like this one comes along.

And, now just for fun:

Who’s your paborito actor/actress?
MOLLY: Charlie Chaplin was my original paborito and to save myself from trying to decide on a modern araw favorite, I’m going to stick with him. He’ll always be a timeless legend in the world.

What role from the past do you wish you could have played?
MOLLY: This film is not in the past, and as weird as it sounds, I would have loved to play Elton John in the new movie “Rocketman.”

Favorite movie or TV ipakita from your childhood.
MOLLY: I was a big “Forrest Gump” and “Austin Powers” tagahanga growing up. I even threw an Austin Powers themed birthday party in 3rd grade and none of the parents would let their kids go because they thought it wasn’t appropriate.

Tell us one thing that would surprise our readers to learn about you.
MOLLY: Oh boy, social media lets everyone know everything about you, this is hard. I’m afraid of isda and boats, but I don’t think many would believe that because somehow I always end up on a bangka or snorkeling with isda despite my mind telling me not to.

How can fans keep up with you?
MOLLY: You can find me on twitter @mollykinsale link and Instagram @mollykinsale37 link. Hope to connect with you all there.