GIN RUMMY, 17min., USA
Directed by Suzanne Baird
I'm excited to share our project made from love and friendship..
Three best friends have been playing Gin Rummy every week for over 50 years. On this Gin Rummy night they have made other plans as a final bonding of the trio.

Get to know the filmmaker:

1. What motivated you to make this film?

There were several motivators. The biggest was that my mother was dying from Dementia. It was an illness that she had for about 10 years and was in the final phases. At the same time, Roe V. Wade was repealed, and this required an examination of the question of choice on many levels. Do we have dominion over our bodies, male or female, to make choices about our health and existence.

2. From the idea to the finished product, how long did it take for you to
make this film?

I wrote the first draft of the script in November 8, 2022. 3
weeks later my mother passed away. I finished the script and shot in March 2023 and delivered the show to festivals in June 2023.

3. How would you describe your film in two words!?

Thought Provoking.

4. What was the biggest obstacle you faced in completing this film?

The hardest part was trying to get into the top tier festivals. I was never
sure why exactly. We got into several festivals but none of the festivals that qualified for Academy level entry.

I thought it would be the funding but oddly the money came easily. That was the easy part. I had a great producer, Julie Tondreau. Julie did an amazing job but was actually doing more than 1 job. We were short a few crew members on the day, but we got almost everything done as planned.

A few things got missed but, in the end, they didn’t really affect the film.
The hardest part was scheduling the 2-day shoot and getting everything, we wanted. We had detailed boards, but my DP didn’t really use them which was disappointing.

5. What were your initial reactions when watching the audience talking about your film in the feedback video?

I was really gratified! They were so positive and thoughtful. It was a great
feature of your festival. So appreciated!!

6. When did you realize that you wanted to make films?

When I was in my 20s I knew I wanted to be involved in film. Like many, I’ve always loved the movies. Unfortunately, my first entertainment job was not a good experience, I was young and had no money so, it was hard to make a living. I’ve always wanted to tell stories that would be messages of change. I’ve written since I was 14 and started writing full stories and scripts for the past 25 years. As a result, I spent 10 years in a career that made money but left me unfulfilled. I started late, but I managed to get my foot in the door as a PA on an Antone Fuqua music video. I was hooked. For 20 years I worked in Visual effects on features and commercials. It took time for me to get the courage to become a director but when I did, there was nothing else I
wanted to do but write and direct.

7. What film have you seen the most in your life?

The Godfather 1-3, Star Wars, It’s a Wonderful Life, My Dinner with Andrea, Under the Tuscan sun, The Wizard of Oz.

8. What other elements of the festival experience can we and other festivals implement to satisfy you and help you further your filmmaking career?

It would have been great if the festival were in person. I’ve been to festivals with other film makers and that really is the very best thing. Having audience feedback is so great but it’s even better to experience your films with a live audience.

9. You submitted to the festival via Film Freeway. How has your experiences been working on the festival platform site?

It’s been good. Unfortunately, there are a few festivals that are not vetted and just take your fees. That’s always disappointing, but the set-up is efficient and I’m grateful for that.

10. What is your favorite meal?

I’m not sure why you are asking the question. But its Fried Chicken!

11. What is next for you? A new film?

I’m currently working on two projects while I teach production at the Academy of Art University. I’m working on a documentary about plastic waste and a narrative script about a clerk for the supreme court.