Q(uar) & A is a series of interviews with some of our favorite storytellers and creators about how they’re living while in lockdown.

Sarah Winshall is an independent producer championing personal films with unique worldviews. She produced Bridey Elliott’s spooky dark comedy, Clara’s Ghost, and the 2018 documentary, ¡Las Sandinistas!, about the women who led Nicaragua’s Sandinista Revolution. You can watch both films online here and here. 

Where are you currently sheltering in place?

At my home in Los Angeles. 

What does your face mask look like? 

I am alternating between an old scrap of fabric haphazardly wrapped up and tied, and a mask my neighbor made that is reversible and loops around my ears.

Do you follow any kind of routine at this moment? 

Trying to stick to a schedule — wake up, wash all the dishes, look at the garden…. lunch, do some work, do some yoga, take a walk, watch a movie. It’s tough to keep things “normal,” but the consistency definitely helps my brain. Very grateful for the weekly bar trivia on Zoom with my friends in NY, and for movies and dogs and books and tequila. 

What are some pieces of entertainment that you have consumed and loved during this time?

Buffalo 66, Sally Rooney’s Normal People (the book), the podcast Apology, new Fiona, I Remember by Joe Brainard, Curb Your Enthusiasm, Gilda Live, that article Gabrielle Hamilton wrote for The New York Times, Exotic Sounds From Romantic Places by Leo Diamond, Malina by Ingeborg Bachmann, Murder She Wrote, Giant (the movie), Waiting for Guffman.

Are you working on anything during this time? And if you’re having trouble “creating” things at the moment, how are you dealing, if at all?

I’m very lucky to have two films in post-production right now, which means I’m getting to look at cuts every couple weeks. I’m really excited about both films so when there is work to do, it’s been so, so welcome. But in the spaces between, I’m still trying to figure out what work I might do to stay sharp and sane and like I’m moving forward. 

Have you taken up any new hobbies? 

Gardening. Much gardening. Very glad to never have gardened before — it’s all so new and fun and exciting. It’s also a lot of work. We are so lucky to have this nice yard and I’ve never really learned how to make the most of it. My boyfriend and I re-landscaped and strung up a hammock and planted some vegetables and hopefully something will sprout up soon.

What’s the best meal you’ve eaten so far?

On the first warm night of spring we grilled a steak and had some greens next to it with some mezcal and sodas and that was just a great dinner. Also the night we got takeout for the first time in quarantine (from Gingergrass in Silverlake) it was just so delicious and such a huge relief to eat something new and different and cooked by an expert.

What’s your current iPhone wallpaper?

What’s the best purchase you’ve made so far?

This steel basin to turn into a raised bed for vegetables and the book Crossword Puzzlers from The Smudge.

Who are the writers, storytellers, or makers who are bringing you great joy right now?

The Collected AHP, CinephobeTV, Stream Slate, The Best Show, Jordan Firstman’s impressions, Nora Brank’s Yoga, Los Angeles Yoga Club Cinematic Meditation.

Find Sarah on Instagram @smudgystuff.