Director Rashad Frett and Producer Simon TaufiQue discuss the mission behind RICKY, the changing economics of independent film distribution, and the decisions that brought the film to audiences on its own terms. RICKY'S FILM MISSION: The film originated from Rashad Frett's personal experiences growing up between the United States and the Caribbean, where he witnessed friends, peers, and family members navigate the criminal justice system and the challenges of reacclimating to society. “I...

Writer, director, cinematographer, editor, and producer Steven Adam Renkovish has built a body of work defined by a love of classic cinema, analog filmmaking, and deeply personal storytelling. With The Strange Disappearance of Emily Jayne, he fulfills a lifelong dream of creating a Halloween themed love story on Super 8, crafting what he describes as an unapologetically queer analog mood piece with the film family he loves dearly. Joined by producer and lead actress Brittany Renee ("Emily...

Manuela Romero Samacá Casting Director • Director • Producer Meet Manuela Romero Samacá (pic below), a casting director and independent filmmaker who pulls back the curtain on the art of casting for independent short films. Focusing on the realities of independent short films, we'll explore her creative process behind casting projects that have gone on to successful festival runs. From working within limited budgets and resources to identifying the emotional essence of a character beyond...