While scrolling through Instagram stories on a Tuesday night, I came across a story from the movie director Sofia Coppola announcing her book signing on Saturday September 7th. Coincidentally on facetime with my friend with whom I share my obsession of Sofia’s artistry with, we both freaked at the fact I was going to be able to meet her. If you need an introduction, Sofia Coppola grew up in Los Angeles but spent much of her adolescence at her father, Francis Ford Coppola’s movie sets which include classics like The Godfather and Apocalypse Now. When Sofia decided she wanted to make movies, she first adapted the Jeffrey Eugenides’ book The Virgin Suicides into a film in 2000 and since has made popular films including Lost In Translation, Priscilla, and Marie Antoinette.
A fellow CHS student, Nina Simonetta, also shares a liking towards Sofia Coppola’s movies. “I met her on September 17th, 2023 at the Bookmarc in New York City” Nina says. She recounts her experience as being “excited and so nervous” and claims “it didn’t feel real seeing her in person.” Nina’s favorite movies by her are The Virgin Suicides and Marie Antoinette and her interaction was “super quick” but “she would rate it “a 9/10” she says.
When Saturday rolled around, I was ecstatic and anxious about what I was going to say. We never realize the celebrities we adore are real people, but when I stepped into the Judd Foundation in Soho, New York and immediately saw her face it was so surreal. After waiting in line for three hours and using a plastic take out bag to sit on a New York City sidewalk with people down the block all looking through her photographic novel the Sofia Coppola Archive I finally saw her.
I was in shock and my heart was beating out of my chest. I hadn’t the slightest idea of what to say to her but I was determined to make myself stand out from the hundreds of people getting their book signed. As I got closer and closer to her I was not the slightest bit calmer than I was when I first entered. When it came to be my turn, I walked up and she introduced herself with a high pitched “Hi.” I responded back and said “Hi, I brought my friend’s book with me since she’s away at college” and she smiled cheek to cheek and said “Aww, you’re so sweet, I guess school’s started up for you as well?” to which I said “Yeah.” I couldn’t believe this was actually happening and my mind raced to all my favorite scenes of her movies and the fact she was the one behind those moments creating the films that me, my friend, and so many others cherish. I went on the usual speech of adoration but when I mentioned her teenage daughter, Romy Mars, who came out with two songs and starred in a new TV show The English Teacher on Hulu and said “Me and my friend love your daughter’s music. She is so talented and we can’t wait for her TV show to premiere.” Sofia’s face lit up and smiled brighter than I’ve seen in any interview.
I know I wouldn’t be able to say my interaction with her was better than others but I felt very proud of what the semi-long conversation with her was able to accomplish. Even my mom taking photos of us the entire time said Sofia’s smile lit up when I said her daughter was talented. I was ecstatic when I stepped out of the building and smiled the rest of the day.
