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Pillow Talk directed by John Wynn starring Moniqua PLante.

Beautiful San Francisco-born actress Moniqua Plante ((HBO/Cinemax series 'Femme Fatales', 'Southland' and 'Ghost Whisperer') is preparing to go to New York City to screen her new short film Pillow Talk at the first ever Film Festival Week NYC.

Pillow Talk, which makes it New York Debut on Saturday November 19 at the Quad cinema (34 W13th Street) tells the story of a hot, mysterious couple who confront their undeniable emotional and physical connection while lying in bed. But when their violent past collides with their peaceful present, they come face to face with a very dangerous future. 'Pillow Talk' is written, directed and edited by actor-turned director John Wynn, and produced by Lead Actress, Plante and has been garnering attention and awards on the festival circuit.

Filmfestivals.com’s Bruno Chatelin had the pleasure of briefly catching up with Plante to discuss acting, favorite film roles and her notion of success in life.

Bruno Chatelin (BC): Tell us about your career in acting? How did you get started?
Moniqua Plante (MP): I started acting in theatre when I was in third grade. My first production was The Music Man with the San Jose Children's Musical Theatre. I fell in love after that. I did a lot of theatre growing up, eventually commercials, but there was a part of me that didn't believe it was something I could really do for a living. It wasn't until I was in college that one of my closest friends pushed me to go for it, and be focused. I finally took the leap of faith and moved to Los Angeles six years ago. It's a roller coaster ride for sure, living the dream in Los Angeles...and it's a ride I wouldn't trade for anything else in the world.

BC: What inspired you to play the role in Pillow Talk?
MP: I had done a lot of comedy, which is my first love, and I wanted to explore a different part of me that had been overlooked. I'm a very physical person and wanted to do some sort of action role. This idea of playing an action heroine who was heartbroken kept coming back to me. Eventually I shared the idea with writer/director, John Wynn, and he wrote the part for me. It's the first time I've ever had something written specifically for me, and to have it written by someone who is also a close friend made is so much sweeter.

BC: What is your favorite female performance of all time?
MP: That is such a difficult question!! Of all time? Well, I can't say of all time necessarily but a few of my favorites are Cate Blanchet in 'Elizabeth'. Her performance is so incredibly rich and powerful. Even in her most vulnerable moments, she is fierce. Kate Winslet in pretty much everything she does. She transforms herself so completely, she disappears. Tilda Swinton in 'Orlando'... her character is ordered to stay forever young which enables a long and deep philosophical quest. Along the way, she experiences a variety of lives and relationships, and even changes sex. Now that's good acting. And I think the most fun acting experience would have been Angelina Joie's character in 'Mr. & Mrs. Smith'. Good times.

BC: Favorite film festival experience so far?
MP: The last two film festivals were both such fantastic experiences...we met so many good people and talented filmmakers. I think the moments that really stand out are winning Breakout Action Star at the 10th Annual Action on Film Intn'l Festival and winning Audience Choice Award at the 7th Annual HollyShorts Festival, both in Los Angeles.

BC: Which director would you like to work with next and why?
MP: You mean if I had my pick of anyone?? I'd be torn between two, because the experiences would be so vastly different. Quentin Tarantino, because I'm in awe of his raw, completely outrageous sensibility and imagination and Clint Eastwood, well because he's Clint Eastwood.

BC: Do you think festivals and Internet are important to promote films? MP: Absolutely!! Especially independent films. Both provide avenues for filmmakers to get their work out to the public, that otherwise may never be seen. The festival circuit has been a phenomenal experience for us in so many ways. We've met amazing filmmakers and it's opened up a lot of opportunities we didn't even know existed.

BC: What does success look like for you?
MP: Ultimately, success for me is a combination of so many life factors...as an actor, of course I want to be recognized for my talents and have the opportunity to work with those directors and actors I've looked up to for so long, but to really appreciate it, you have to have balance, success in your business life may not have the same juice for you if your personal life is in disarray. Balance, that's the key.