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Video: Tribeca 2025 Special: Dylan O'Brien, Finn Wittrock, and Nichelle Lewis Talk Indie Film
Jun 14, 2025
This special episode features conversations from the NYC premiere of Twinless written and directed by James Sweeney , where actor Dylan O'Brien shares his experience not only starring in but also producing his first film — marking a new chapter in his artistic journey. He shared, “you don't really know what you're going to get till you're on the ground doing it. We [James Sweeney and I] certainly had a lot of conversations, I was attached with him for this project for many years until we got it off the ground!”
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0:00
hello survivors this is jason a coombs here on the red carpet for the new york city premiere of
0:18
twin list written directed and starring james sweeney we're here at the chibeca film festival
0:26
It's a rainy day, but it's a good day We're super excited to talk to the stars
0:30
To the crew And learn all about TwinList Making its New York City premiere here
0:35
At the Village East Angelica At the Tribeca Film Festival Let's go get those stars
0:41
Thank you so much for joining us today I'm so excited for you guys
0:45
Can you please say your names Because we are a podcast So people won't see your beautiful faces
0:49
This is for social media I'm Dylan O'Brien james sweeney yes so we're here at the twin list premier new york city premiere how are you guys
0:59
feeling pretty great good yeah yeah i had to yeah he's really tired he he flew in late last night
1:07
and he's on west coast time and he is not a morning person no no no he's too he's tired
1:13
um and i had to pee earlier yeah well obi did that hey i did good now i'm much better good good
1:19
can you talk about the collaboration between you two i know james you wrote directed and starred
1:24
in this with Dylan? I did. Yes. So how was that collaboration as the co-star
1:27
and also director and writer? Whilst producing this was also Dylan's first time
1:31
producing. Yeah. Oh, yes. Co-producers. Come through. Yeah. I love that for you guys
1:36
Thanks. Yeah. How was that collaboration? Great. Cool. 20. Yeah, like, you know
1:45
those things are nice. Thank you. Yes. Come through. Along the themes of the
1:51
movies. Right. a lot of themes and device in it's a way into the theme um uh collaboration well yeah really good
1:58
honestly effortless uh this was there was some effort no doubt uh that was the wrong word
2:06
effortful but in a way that's you know you don't really know what you're gonna get until you're
2:12
just like on the ground doing it you know right we had obviously certainly had a lot of conversations
2:17
and had been, you know, I was attached with him to this project
2:22
for many years before we got it off the ground. So there was that pre-existing relationship
2:26
But in terms of like getting to the production of it, yeah, that's a whole new bag, you know
2:31
So it is a bit of a dice roll and it was great. Yeah, yeah. Cool
2:35
Thank you. So this movie is premiering here in New York City
2:39
during Pride Month. Why is it so important for queer movies like this to be told and queer stories and queer filmmakers
2:45
to have a platform to share their stories? Hmm. Yeah, how do you want to handle this film
2:52
Well, it's interesting because I obviously see the film as a queer film
2:55
but it's not, I don't think it's ostensibly so. I think it's very much just like in the fabric of the filmmaking
3:03
through my voice and lens as a filmmaker. But I think in some ways that's just, it normalizes it
3:13
You know, this is a character that I play. He happens to be gay. He happens to be one of the co-leads of the film, but it's not a coming out story
3:21
It's correct. It's it's I think seeing a character like mine in this kind of genre
3:29
Hopefully it'll feel fresh. Yeah. Awesome. Last question before I let you guys go
3:33
Our podcast is called Survival Jobs. Before you were premiering films all over the world and before you hit big on Teen Wolf
3:40
Do you guys have a survival job where you're up and coming artists trying to make it? Did you have survival jobs
3:45
No. No, I have this one hilarious story where I was like an assistant for an hour and I got fired
3:51
After an hour? Yeah, I was 18. I was rooming with a couple of guys I like went to high school with
3:57
Yeah. They were pursuing music. I was like auditioning. We were all going to school. Yeah
4:01
And one of them had an assistant job. He asked me to cover for him one day. I was like, absolutely
4:05
I was so terrible and overwhelmed in the first hour that I got let go
4:11
And the guy, the producer came out to me. He was just like, he handed me 40 bucks. And he just went, you just take off, man
4:17
And I was home on my couch by 10 a.m. And yeah, that was that
4:21
That was it. Well, you clearly didn't need it. You clearly didn't need it. $40 an hour
4:26
Yes. Hey, that's pretty good. That's what I'm talking about. Awesome. How about you, James
4:30
I've had a few. I was a telemarketer. I worked in casting as an assistant
4:36
as a personal assistant I taught a speech class in Arcadia to Asian children
4:40
that one I didn't know about that one? thank you both for spending time with me today
4:47
on Survival Jobs enjoy the New York State premiere of Twin List I hope I get to see it
4:52
you're not going to be in there? I don't think I'm that cool
4:56
thank you guys good meeting you great to meet you too I love this
5:03
Thank you. Come on, get 2X for me. Get 2X for me. All right, y'all
5:06
That's a wrap on the Twin List. Opening red carpet for the New York City premiere here at Tribeca
5:12
Get your tickets. ASAP. Support independent filmmakers. Thank you, Tribeca, for having Survival Jobs, a podcast
5:18
Enjoy, y'all. There's lots of films to see over the next couple weeks. All right, everybody
5:27
This is Jason A. Coombs with Survival Jobs, a podcast. and I'm here on the Tribeca red carpet for the world premiere of It's Dorothy directed by
5:36
Jeffrey McHale world premiere in New York City it's so exciting we're here at the East Village
5:43
Angelica Theater and we're on this red carpet we're gonna be talking with the stars of the film
5:49
and the director and the crew it's an awesome time the rain has stopped so here we go y'all
5:56
here we go like i said my name is jason i co-host survival jobs a podcast would you mind introducing
6:01
yourself because we are a podcast they can't see your beautiful face okay so my name is nishale
6:05
lewis um i played dorothy on broadway yes yes you did i saw it i was living my best life oh my gosh
6:12
you did me and my co-host saw it we were loving it it was black joy all the time like it was just
6:19
everyone was living it was so much fun like i really did have so much fun all of us were so
6:24
close and we still are like i talked to avery every day yes avery was on our podcast he was he killed
6:29
it yeah yeah sure he was yeah so this is pride month right and also it's black music history month
6:36
this film represents underrepresented voices so well and uplifts black women queer people
6:41
why is that so important during this time especially with all the the madness happening
6:45
in our world i mean i think we all know why it's important at this time we need to get somebody out
6:50
office but facts on facts mic drop but what i will say is i think we all need a little hug right now
6:59
there's just so much happening and i think it's more important than ever that each person feels
7:04
that their voice is heard that they are loved that they are amazing that they're talented and
7:09
that they're worthy i think that's the most important thing right now and that's what's
7:12
amazing about the film as well i can't wait to see it congratulations it's the world premiere
7:17
I run the red carpet at the Tribeca Film Festival. How does that feel for you
7:21
I mean, you're so giddy. I love it. I mean, it's my first time ever. I just so excited and beyond proud and happy And just seeing also all the other Dorothys as well Like I don know we talked about it the other day and how like we all have a sister bond and it just it amazing
7:37
I love it so much. You should be so proud. I'm so excited for you. I have two more quick questions before I let you go live it up on the red carpet
7:45
Can you describe Dorothy in three words? Yes. Powerful, iconic, and let's see
7:55
trendsetter trendsetter that blue dress those ruby those ruby reds right right
8:00
like i said earlier it is black music history month you famously played dorothy in the whiz
8:07
we stan of course but if there's another musician living or from the past that you would love to see
8:12
portray a former dorothy if you were a casting agent i know it's a tough question beyonce
8:19
oh come on come on queen immediately right right right and then our podcast is called survival jobs
8:27
before you got on broadway before you got on the tribeca red carpet is there a survival job you
8:31
had in your past that you would love to share a memorable one of course there was i had about
8:36
five at one point i worked at crate and barrel i was um the receptionist at the restaurant right i
8:43
It was, I worked at, where else did I work? I worked at, like, I did a wedding singing job
8:49
I did literally everything I could just to stay afloat. So if I can do it, you can do it too, okay
8:54
Hear that. It's heard from one of the Dorothy's. If she can do it, then you can do it
8:58
Yes. Thank you so much for being here. Thanks for chatting with me, and have an amazing time. Enjoy the film
9:02
Can I hug you? Of course, can I? Oh, yes, thank you. Hi, it's Shanice Shante
9:07
Yes, thank you so much for being here and talking to Survival Dots of the podcast. This is the world premiere of this film
9:12
How are you feeling today? I'm excited because I remember the day I met Jeffrey and he said
9:17
Hey, I've got a doc coming up that I'm working on. And now we're here and it's premiering at Tribeca and I'm so excited
9:23
It's so exciting. So it's Pride Month. This is Black Music History Month
9:28
Yes, yes. Why is this film that centers underrepresented voices? Black women, queer folks
9:34
Why is it so important at this time? Because you know what Judy meant to those communities
9:38
She was everything. She was like a mama for those communities. and that's where dorothy all started so in celebrating that we're celebrating her and
9:47
this is the perfect time for this to be for mary yeah especially when the world is a little bit
9:53
crazy right now right i mean i feel like it's always kooky but there are major times when it's
9:57
real kooky yeah yeah we're living through the part of life it is a part of life thank you for being
10:02
here thank you for saying that so i have a fun question for you okay yes so it's like i said
10:08
It says Black Music History Month. Is there an artist, a Black woman in history, current or past
10:14
that you would want to see play Dorothy? If you could choose, if you could cast? Oh, gosh. I interviewed Audra McDonald at Lincoln Center
10:21
and she said singing The Wiz was one of the things she used to do when she was a little girl
10:25
Right. She said she was singing, I believe, in her bedroom closet. And I know Dorothy is, we all know her age, right
10:32
But Diana Ross played Dorothy in Step Out the Box. Right. I want to see Andra McDonald play Dorothy
10:40
And here's to just sprinkling a little hope that she wins the Tony. Oh, my gosh
10:43
Yes, it is Tony week tomorrow. Record breaking. She's already iconic. Iconic
10:49
Maybe I want to see her do it in concert. How about that? Right. Can you imagine her singing home
10:53
I could. I feel chills already. In the Andra way. Right, right
10:57
I just saw her last night at Gypsy, and it took my breath away. Iconic
11:01
Like, she is such a revelation. Like, if I got a Tony vote, it would be for her
11:05
I'll be for Audra all day, every day. Personally, all day, every day. We are Audra stans here
11:10
Last question before we go, because I know you have other people to talk to. Survival Jobs is our podcast
11:14
Did you have a survival job while you were on Up and Up before you became on the red carpet here at Tribeca
11:19
You know what's crazy? I never had a nine to five for most of my life
11:23
But acting is a rollercoaster job. And at one point, I worked at an animal shelter
11:29
Really? So I'll say the smell. Oh, gosh. The amount of animals that was in there
11:33
Right. and how overstimulated I was, that would make it a survival job
11:39
So, yes. Right. Well, thank you so much for being here. Have fun at the world premiere
11:43
Congratulations. Thank you so much. Yeah, of course. You look amazing, too. Thank you
11:47
It was great talking to you. Me, too. Thank you. I'll see you soon. I'm Jason A. Coombs
11:51
and I am with Survival Jobs, a podcast. It is a podcast about artists
11:55
who are working survival jobs to get to where they are, to Tribeca. Would you want to share a survival job
12:01
from your past, maybe? I would love to share a survival job, but actually something that I'm still really passionate about
12:06
and I still do, even though we are here at Tribeca, and I work with gender-affirming voice
12:13
and we serve everybody across the world, and we do speech-language pathology and voice classes
12:20
and it's something really close to my heart, something I'm really passionate about, and again, something that I think the Wizard of Oz and Dorothy
12:26
it really extends that message to. Of course, it's so important. Yes, oh my gosh
12:31
and your voice, the way you express yourself, the way you communicate with the world and share yourself
12:37
It's literally what we're doing here with the film. So from ordering your coffee all the way to being here
12:43
on the red carpet with you at Tribeca, the way we express ourselves is so important to me
12:47
And so, yes, it's my survival job, but it's also a huge passion, and I wouldn't change it for the world
12:52
I love that. Especially it's like Pride Month, right? So we're celebrating Pride Month
12:57
This film uplifts underrepresented voices. Why do you think this film is so important during this time
13:02
So I think this film is so important because to me, Dorothy is inclusion
13:08
She approaches every challenge with curiosity, an open mind, an open heart
13:13
and along her way includes everybody on that search for home. And I think the search for home, a place to belong, is going to be different for all of us
13:21
That means something very unique. And so I think it's a really, really powerful message for this time during Pride Month
13:28
during this time in the world. where, you know, we want to come together and include all communities and all people
13:35
There's such an attack on, like, inclusivity, which is insane to me. So I'm happy. I'm excited. I haven't seen the film yet
13:41
Me either. Oh, wait. Yeah, I wanted to save it. Well, this is the world premiere. How exciting is that for you
13:46
I know, I know. I wanted to save it because this is such a special night. I've dreamed of going to Tribeca for a long time
13:52
Oh, I love that for you. Thank you. Actually, one more question. It is also Black Music Month
13:56
Is there a black musician from past or present that you would love to see take on a Dorothy role
14:02
If you could choose if you were casting. Oh my gosh, if I was casting, well of course because my brain immediately goes to Diana Ross
14:07
Oh of course! Because if I could have witnessed that, like live, that would be incredible
14:12
And we have amazing Dorothy's here as well. So I think to see Diana Ross live doing this, I mean, iconic
14:19
Literally iconic, we would love to see that. I know I'm not casting that originally, but I can say like yes
14:23
Well, you're casting a reimagining of the boss. I'm sorry, of the boss. Right, I love that
14:28
Last question for you. Can you say what Dory represents to you in three words
14:32
Yes. Kindness, inclusion, curiosity. Amazing. Thank you so much for being here
14:38
Have fun tonight. Enjoy. Yes, you're going to have a blast. Oh, I can't wait
14:42
Thanks for your time. Of course. Thank you so much. So can you please say your name
14:46
Because everyone can't see your beautiful face because we're a podcast. Okay. For the podcast listeners, my name is Jeffrey McHale
14:52
and I'm the director of It's Dorothy. You are the director of this amazing groundbreaking film that premiering at Tribeca the world premiere Yes And you seem like you holding it together really well yeah uh on the outside yeah yeah no but it the last few weeks have been a whirlwind just kind of getting getting it ready and
15:08
getting it here right you know i'm also the editor too so oh my gosh you edit your own film yeah yeah
15:12
yeah yeah yeah i don't recommend it i constantly i like to make the joke like you know my director
15:17
i'd argue with my editor my editor would argue with my director yeah yeah yeah oh i love that
15:23
yeah so it's pride month right we're celebrating pride month it's also black music history month
15:27
yeah lots to celebrate your film uplifts underrepresented voices right why is that so
15:33
important during this time when we're living through so much yeah craziness to say the least
15:37
of course i think it's just about like the way that we connect with each other and the way that
15:40
we and the art that we put out you know it's obviously judy garland looms large in our culture
15:46
looms large in queer culture you know she's a you know kind of the og uh gay icon right um but
15:54
i wanted to celebrate dorothy like the dorothy beyond judy and and because that was like you know
16:01
when you step into those worlds judy's always i would like to say she's always in the she was always in the room with us somewhere you know and so like there was a period where she you know she
16:07
got a little bit further away kind of brought her brought her back closer yeah but you know
16:11
And she means a lot to everybody who is in this film. So many people. Yes, of course
16:16
So, yeah. Oh, I love that. So, I know you directed this film. But if you were to direct maybe a narrative film about Dorothy or a TV show or a cartoon
16:25
who would you want to play Dorothy that's like a black artist? Because it's Black Music Month
16:30
Oh, my gosh. That's a hard question. Living or dead? Oh, my God. I know you're making me whiter
16:36
Is this original music? Are we doing like the whiz? Oh, it's your interpretation
16:40
I'll give you I don't know if this is a cop out
16:45
but I always think Dorothy should be an introduction so I think a young up and coming artist
16:50
that we don't know yet that was one thing I loved about connecting with Shanice Williams
16:54
that was her introduction to the world and she had all those promos introducing
16:58
and so I think that ultimately Dorothy should be an introduction I wouldn't have a name for you
17:06
I love that though it's important to give people opportunity and uplift people Yes
17:10
I love that you do that as well. You look amazing, by the way. Thank you. The flowers. Yeah, I know. We got the flowers
17:15
Last question. I'm going to let you go. But our podcast is called Survival Jobs. So I have to ask you this
17:19
Before you became a director, having a premiere on Tribeca Red Carpet, did you ever survive
17:23
a job while you were a becoming artist? I mean, I'm still surviving a job. Okay
17:28
You want to share one of them? So I'm a television editor by day
17:32
Okay, cool, cool. I'm still very much working, working from home. I have a family
17:38
My husband. We have an eight-year-old son. So, you know, it's kind of like juggling the, you know
17:42
I love that. It's like when you're working from home, it's like it's great because you're close
17:47
Right, right, right. But then you're also very accessible to everybody else. Everybody wants something, right
17:51
They need you. So, you know, it's so much in our industry has changed over the last couple years
17:56
And I know that me and other creatives, it's impossible not to ask yourselves, if not this, then what else
18:02
Right. What else is out there that I can do? Right. but you know
18:06
you just gotta keep keep working and you know we're all trying to figure it out
18:09
you know exactly well you're figuring something out because you're here at Tribeca Film Festival well thank you
18:13
world premiere yeah thank you last question before you go you're so welcome three words to describe Dorothy
18:17
three words that describe Dorothy that you want to give out to us
18:21
okay so this is a little bit of a cop out because I asked everybody at the end of my interviews
18:25
Dorothy is and asked them so I'm gonna use some of the words
18:29
yes yes I got iconic she is iconic yes come on Ruby Reds
18:34
Dorothy is love. And Dorothy is inspiring. She really is. Yeah. Thank you
18:42
Have a great time today. Thank you so much. And basking it. Yeah. You deserve it
18:47
Thank you so much. Thank you. Do I get to keep this? Oh, I wish. All right, y'all
18:51
That was the red carpet for It's Dorothy. Go get your tickets ASAP
18:56
Go see this wonderful documentary. Support independent filmmakers. Get your tickets. Get your tickets
19:01
Get your tickets. Thank you, Tribeca. We're here at the Tribeca Film Festival at the world premiere of the film West Hampton
19:12
We're here at East Village, Angelica, on the red carpet. We're seeing all the stars
19:17
We're talking to the cast and crew. Come on along with me. We're at Tribeca, y'all
19:21
Tribeca Film Festival. I'm going to have you first introduce yourself because they can't see your beautiful face on our podcast
19:27
Okay. Oh, hello. I am Finn Whitrock. Yes. And we're here at the world premiere of West Hampton in New York City at Tribeca
19:34
Yes, we are. How are you feeling? You look pretty calm and collected. Do I? Yeah
19:38
How are you feeling? It's all an act. Yeah. I'm giddy as a little kid right now
19:43
Oh, I love that for you. Congratulations. Thank you. So this film kind of uplifts artists in a way, because your character is a filmmaker from
19:49
my own. I haven't seen it yet. Yes. So your character is a filmmaker, right? And also, you have someone who's differently abled in this story as well
19:56
Why is this story so important in 2025 when we see there's been an attack on the arts
20:00
Yeah. We see that people who are different are kind of being attacked. Not to get too political, but why is this story important now
20:06
I think it was really important to kind of have a spectrum of people with different abilities
20:15
and not treat them as a victim or as something that needs to be saved
20:22
Right, yeah. Roxanne, who plays Beth, my character kind of thinks that he needs to go back
20:30
can sort of rescue her, or she needs something from him to move on, and actually she's way
20:37
more put together than he is. Yeah, yeah, yeah. It's an emotional disaster, and she's like, kind of got it all figured out
20:43
Right. So I think it kind of turns that notion of disability on its head in a way
20:47
Yeah. And sort of humanizes everybody. Right, right. Is that what you used to the scripts when you first read it
20:55
It was one of the things for sure, yes. I also love that it was a very kind of small quiet story in one place right
21:02
which is West Hampton which is where Christian's actually from yeah a lot of
21:06
kind of um meta stuff because we were filming in Christian's actual hometown
21:11
and the movie is about a filmmaker making a movie about his hometown it's
21:17
pretty meta on top of meta right like two levels two levels I was happy to
21:22
kind of dive into that. Right, right. The metaverse. Yeah. I love that for you
21:26
Yeah, thank you. And why is it important for, like, independent films like this to also get a spotlight and get made
21:32
Where not just a big, you know, we love the big tentpole movies and whatnot, but these stories are important as well
21:38
It's just so validating to have a movie that was made for, I say a shoestring budget, and that's, like, really not exaggerating
21:46
It was really next to nothing. Yeah, yeah, yeah. Christian, our director, was also steaming clothes after setting
21:54
Wearing multiple hats. One of the producers was also driving people to and from the airport
21:58
and going in and catering. I mean, it was just all hands on deck all the time
22:04
But because of that, because there was a bit of struggle and pain involved
22:08
and we all were in it together, the fact that it comes here is so satisfying
22:14
It's like your work paid off. It was not a sure thing by any means, you know
22:20
Whereas a bigger film, you'd be like, oh, yeah, we'll get to Tribeca. Yeah, yeah, of course
22:24
And you did The fact that we here is like we here It such an honor I sure like to be here Did a world premiere in New York City the greatest city in the world in my opinion Absolutely It not even an opinion
22:35
Right, right. It's a fact. Last question. I know you have a lot of people to talk to, a lot of stuff
22:39
They didn't see your movie. Our podcast is Survival Jobs. Before you had the career you have, American Horror Story, Hera, Trevecca, did you ever
22:47
a survival job when you were an up-and-coming actor? Just after Juilliard, I worked at Fred's on 84th and Columbus
22:55
It's a restaurant that has dogs on the wall. A bunch of dogs
22:58
Oh, yes, yes, yes, yes. Were you a server? I was a waiter, yeah. How'd that go
23:03
For a while. I was good at talking to people. Yeah, yeah
23:07
I don't know if I always got their orders right. Right, right. But I don't know
23:13
I was a C-plus waiter. You didn't drop anything on anybody, right
23:18
I didn't drop anything. Okay, okay, that's good. I definitely misplaced drinks and gave them to underage people
23:23
Oh, no. That was an obvious mistake. Right, right. Well, thank you so much for being here
23:28
It's such an honor to chat with you. Congratulations. Thank you so much. Yeah, of course. You look amazing, too
23:34
My name is Jason, and I have a podcast called Survival Jobs. Survival Jobs
23:37
Yeah, we interview artists we admire about their journey from working in gig work to
23:41
getting on the Tribeca red carpet. Yeah. Should we mind saying your name because they can't see your beautiful face on our podcast
23:47
Oh, of course. My name is Amy Forsyth. Yes, and you're here
23:51
Hey, and I'm here at Tribeca with our film West Hampton. Yes
23:54
How do you feel to be premiering in New York City? I feel amazing. I love Tribeca so much
23:59
I've only been here once before, and it was sort of right after the pandemic
24:04
And so everything was, it was a little bit, it wasn't virtual. It was in person, but it was still outside, and they were still sort of adjusting
24:09
So this is the first year that I've been back when the festival's been back in full force
24:14
So, yeah, I'm thrilled to be back. I love it here. I live here. I love it here
24:18
Yes, it's so cool. And this story uplifts people that are differently abled, right
24:23
It's about artistry. Why is this film important during this time? There's an attack on the arts
24:28
There's an attack on the difference. For sure. Well, I think so much of this film is also about sort of facing your past
24:35
and the parts of yourself that maybe you aren't the most confident in
24:40
or aren't the most proud of. And human beings are complicated. And sometimes we have things that we're not proud of
24:48
And this film is about sort of going back to your hometown
24:51
and going back to your roots. And I think that, yeah, I think with like COVID and everything too, you know, there's sort of something, we all realize the importance of that, of going back to your roots, of going back to the people that you love and looking inward at the parts of yourself that you do love or the things that you want to change by yourself
25:11
And so, yeah. I love that. What do you hope audiences take away after seeing it at the festival here or when it goes on theaters later on this year
25:19
Yeah. What do I hope they take away? I mean, I guess just maybe taking some time to look inward and to... Glitch
25:28
Yeah, to reflect and... Yeah. I love that. Well, thank you for being here
25:36
Of course. Last question. I know you have other people to talk to. No problem. What was it like collaborating with your director
25:42
bringing this role in life? Yeah. It was amazing. Christian is so kind and so wonderful
25:48
And, you know, he's the reason I joined the project. We just met for coffee and he had such a calming presence
25:55
And even on set, I mean, indie filmmaking is crazy and it's chaotic and shit goes wrong
26:01
And, you know, but he was just such a such a quiet but confident leader
26:06
And so, yeah, he made it super easy. You need that in a leader, right
26:10
Yeah, you do. You get to Tribeca. Yeah, exactly. And here we are. All thanks to him
26:15
No, he's brilliant. Thank you so much for being here. Thank you for having me. Enjoy your opening night
26:18
Thank you so much. Thank you for being here. Hi, I'm RJ Mitty. I'm here at the West Hampton premiere at Tribeca
26:26
Yeah, how do you feel? It's a world premiere. It's a world premiere, man
26:30
That's huge. I'm very grateful to have such a great team. Like, in this movie, we got some of the best actors and the most down-to-earth people
26:39
and we had a great crew that really was all hands on deck
26:43
Great. And I'm very honored, and, you know, it's been a great year, and it's only going to get better
26:49
It's only going to get better. Congratulations. This film kind of, you know, it's about an artist, a filmmaker. Yeah
26:54
Why is that so important during this time where the arts are so under attack, I feel like
26:58
Well, you know, I think there's a number of capacities. You know, art throughout history has always had these moments, you know, of finite art
27:06
And then the art has grown beyond that. And then the art grows beyond control
27:11
And then people try to control it. Yeah, yeah. But I do find, though, like right now, we're in a very new blossom of art where we're stepping away
27:19
I think from the mass show media projection that we've had in like over the past few years and I
27:26
really think that people are trying to finite movies and shows that make a difference and have
27:31
an impact and have not just a fabricated story but but but a basis of truth a human story a human
27:38
story of that yes I know you got to go in so I'm actually going to quick question our podcast is
27:42
survival jobs did you have a survival job before you became a working successful actor for movie
27:48
premiering I try I try to survive jobs every day come on now no I did to my
27:54
family I grew up um my grandfather's we had like shrimp boats and like fishing
28:00
boats and camp and one time my family had a farm and the other side had ranch
28:04
so I grew up working you were working man if you could walk you can work yeah
28:09
well it roll however you want to get there you know you know but you know I
28:14
I mean, yeah, of course. Well, thank you for being here. Congratulations again and enjoy
28:18
Enjoy seeing you move into a big screen. Thank you. Thank you so much. Have a great rest of your day
28:22
Thank you. Thank you for joining us. Yeah, my name is Christian Nilsson, and I am the writer, director, and one of the producers
28:27
on the feature film, West Hampton, premiering today at Tribeca Festival. This is a world premiere
28:33
Yeah. You look pretty calm. I feel like I'd be freaking out. Do you know, honestly, I love this story
28:39
I love this film. playing it for other people is not the stress for me
28:44
I feel like this is the first time in the last few weeks
28:48
where I feel like, oh, I'm actually... The work has already been done for this
28:52
And so now I just get to sit back and watch this with an audience and kind of release it into the world
28:58
and kind of hand it off in some ways. Right, right. So I guess, yeah, we're about to see it
29:02
for the first time. What do you hope audiences take away? Do you have a feeling
29:06
or emotion? Yeah, it's a hard one to answer. I hope that they give it
29:13
their patience it's a slower film it's a nuanced story I don't think it unfolds in the most conventional way but
29:22
yeah I hope that they just are willing to sit with it
29:27
and honestly I would say beyond that whatever their relationship with it
29:31
it's really up to them I know what it is for me I know what it is for this team
29:36
and for all these people that care about it But yeah, you also you make films for other people to experience
29:43
And so I'm excited to see what that read is. Right, right
29:48
This might be a weird question, but go with me. We're living in this time where, you know, the arts are under attack
29:54
people who are differently able or different bodied or whatever are being attacked by our government
29:59
This film kind of centers an artist, a filmmaker, right? And it has a woman that's definitely able to cast
30:04
Why is this story important now in 2025 in the world we're living in? It's such an incredible story
30:10
Sorry, it's an incredible question. Thank you. Yeah, I mean, it's unfortunate what we're seeing as far as there's so many artists
30:17
and organizations that are losing grants and losing funding, including a number of organizations that were pivotal in us being able to tell this story
30:27
I think art is something that really surpasses politics. And I think it's important to, especially in moments like this
30:38
focus on individuals that are overcoming insurmountable odds. And while this is, again, like a very nuanced story and like in a lot of ways, a small story
30:49
I do think it is, it really speaks to that and speaks to the moment
30:54
Well, thank you for sharing. Last question before you go. I know you have a big movie to screen
30:58
Did you have a survival job before you became a director, a big-time director of a movie at Tribeca
31:03
A survival job. I mean, I would say that I've always had the survival job
31:09
I've been lucky to be a creative director at different news organizations
31:15
And so I recently was at The Atlantic and currently at Bloomberg
31:20
which allows me to, in a lot of ways, always be experimenting with the type of work that I'm doing
31:26
Also, I get to meet and work with a lot of really exciting people. Always sharpening the knife, I guess, in some ways
31:35
But I do think, especially right now, talking about how difficult it is to do art, I do think it's important to find the ways that it can enable you to continue doing that
31:43
Because I think for so much of us, and so many people are eating on this red carpet
31:48
it's kind of a waiting game of your moments will happen eventually, and just being ready and being able to make sure you're around for it
31:54
Right, right. Well, congratulations. I'm so excited for you. I hope audiences love it as much as you love it
32:00
Thank you. Thank you. I appreciate it. Thank you for the question. Oh, thank you. And love your outfit, too
32:05
And would you mind first saying your name? Because people can't see your beautiful face, because we are a podcast
32:10
My name is Roxanne Schiberga. Yes, and you are an actress in the film
32:14
I am an actress. This is the world premiere of West Hampton, Air Tribeca in New York City
32:18
How do you feel? I'm very excited. It's all been very surreal
32:24
It's been a crazy day. Um, it's, it's very cool. It's very, very cool
32:29
And the sun came out. It was raining all day. And now for you guys
32:32
Storms. We were like worried about our outfits and makeup and hair. And now here we are
32:37
And you look amazing, by the way. Yes. We do have social media. So people will see your outfit
32:41
Oh, yay. So this film kind of shines a light on people who are differently abled
32:46
Kind of shines a light on artists. This is such a crazy time we're living in, in this world where there's attack on people
32:51
who are differently abled, right? There's attack on people who are artists on the arts in general
32:54
Why is this film so important during this time, in your opinion? I think, okay, so I think the character has nothing, her disability has nothing to do with who she is
33:05
She's 100% who she is. And I feel like I haven't met her before her disability occurred
33:14
But I feel like she would be the exact same person. And that's so amazing
33:19
She is her without her disability. I love that. And what drew you to the script
33:23
Is that why you were like, I got to be part of this project? Yeah. It wasn't, it had nothing to do with whether she's in a wheelchair or not
33:29
It had everything to do with who she is as a person. Oh, that's so important
33:33
And I hope we get more stories like that, right? I know. I know. It's 2025
33:37
I know. We don't need to point things out anymore. We can just be. You can just, I love that
33:41
It can just be. Yeah. Okay. Our podcast is called Survival Jobs
33:45
Okay. So did you have a survival job while you were, you know, up and coming actor, before you were on the red carpet of Tribeca
33:50
I was just talking about that with Amy Amy used to be an EMT
33:57
oh really? that's awesome I'm looking at a career it's really cool
34:03
I'm looking at a career in law just being paralegal or something like that
34:07
that's amazing suing people that's essentially what I want to do and last thing before you go
34:14
other people to talk to and a movie to watch for the first time I'd rather be with you
34:19
I love that What do you hope audiences take away from after they watch this film at Tribeca
34:25
or when it gets released in theaters later this year? What do you hope is a big takeaway they get
34:33
Okay, so what I think is the importance of home. We need hope
34:38
Yes, hope and home. Going home. Going home, yes. Well, thank you for sharing
34:45
Thanks for being here. Congratulations. Thank you. You look like a star. You are a star
34:50
Thank you. Yes, enjoy. Thank you. A little set up here. My name is Dave Brick. Everybody calls me Brick
34:56
I was the cinematographer and producer on West Hampton. Yes, a dual role
35:00
Dual role. Yes, sir. So, okay, first of all, congratulations, because your film is premiering, world premiere
35:05
at the Tribeca Film Festival in New York City. How do you feel? Fantastic
35:09
I mean, you look fantastic. You're beaming. Thank you very much. Yeah, I'm not used to being on this side of the camera
35:13
Yeah, right? You're behind the camera. You're usually behind the camera. That's my happy place, but very happy to be here
35:18
Oh, you look like a star. Thank you very much. Of course. So you just said you had dual role cinematographer and producer
35:23
That's correct. What drew you to this project? What was it about this story of West Hampton that you were like, I got to be a part of it
35:28
So Christian wrote an amazing script. Absolutely fantastic. Left off the page
35:34
Every script I've read from him has always been wonderful. And I reached out to him and I just said, look, man, like, I don't care if you got a million bucks or you got five bucks
35:44
I want to make this movie. Like, I want to be part of this movie. Let me know how I can do it
35:48
Like, this is a great script. It's great roles. It's for actors
35:52
And I just want to tell a good story. And I hope that we did
35:56
I think you did. I mean, you're here. Great. That's a good story. Yeah. Thank you This story kind of highlights differently able folks right Yeah Also it a story about an artist a filmmaker right Yep We know the arts are kind of under attack right now
36:10
We know that people who are different are being attacked by our government. Why do you feel this story is important right now in this time
36:16
It's a human story, you know? Like, it really is, it's a bit of redemption
36:22
You know, you have someone overcoming his demons. He's reconciling friendships. and, you know, like, we're all not defined by our past
36:32
You know, we want to move forward with our lives and hopefully be kind to each other
36:37
I love that. One last question before I let you go. Absolutely. Go see your movie on the big screen
36:41
Thank you. Yes. What is one thing you hope audiences take away
36:45
after watching the film here at Chevecca and then when it gets released in theaters later this year
36:49
I hope people watch it. You know, I want people to get in front of it, see it, and say, like, this is a good story
36:55
There's a place in the world for good independent films. And I want audiences to find this, watch this, and say
37:02
not everything needs to be a giant CGI fest. This is a human story made by humans
37:10
We want to show people an independent audience. There are movies out there that can be made on a small scale
37:16
Yeah, yeah. I love that. Thank you for being here. Thank you for having us. Congratulations
37:20
Thank you very much. You look so fantastic. Appreciate it. Be according to camera more. He's like, I don't know
37:27
I'm going to run back to the darkness. Thank you so much. Thank you so much
37:31
Appreciate you, Ben. Have a fun day. Thank you. Hey, that was our Red Carpet premiere of West Hampton here at the Tribeca Film Festival
37:40
East Village Angelica, y'all. Thank you. Hi, everybody. Samantha Dwan-Titzelow here from Survival Jobs, a podcast
37:52
I'm here at the Tribeca Film Festival on the red carpet for the premiere of The Furry Detectives Unmasking a Monster
37:59
I'm so excited to chat with all of these creatives about their inspiration for this documentary
38:04
and what actually went down in this true crime story. Enjoy! Hi, happy Tribeca Film Festival and congratulations
38:13
Thank you so much, happy to be here. Yes, so this is a podcast, a lot of people are just listening
38:17
Can you please introduce yourself and let us know what your role here is with this docuseries
38:22
Yeah, my name is Theo Love, and I am the producer-director of a documentary series called The Furry Detectives
38:31
I'm Julia Lindow, and I'm the producer. Well, congratulations. I have not yet seen it, but everything I've read, it seems so interesting, and I am excited to see it
38:39
I don't know if excited's the right word, but can you please let us know what initially drew you to this project and what made you want to work on it
38:45
Yeah. So it is rare to find a truly unique story. And this is a truly, truly unique story
38:53
You have never, ever seen anything like this and you will never see anything like this again
38:57
And on top of that, like that's that's a rare find right there. But then to get care
39:06
I know. It's a podcast. This little mic is small, but it's mighty
39:11
Okay. We can pause if we want, but I think you're good. You'll be all right
39:15
Happy New York City, everyone. Yeah. You know. Okay, so on top of having a very, very unique story
39:23
we have the most unique characters. These are furries. These are people, these are grown adults who dress up like animals
39:32
And it is not just Halloween. This is a whole, for many people, an identity
39:39
And so it was more than a privilege to be able to go into that community
39:44
earn their trust, be able to tell such a hard story. But it was such a privilege as a storyteller to be given that access
39:53
And how about for you? What drew you to this project? I mean, I don't know that there's much I can add
39:58
But yeah, I think just the characters were so compelling. And yeah, the story was unique
40:06
So I just felt like it would make great TV. So correct me if I'm wrong
40:11
the total vibe and overall theme I'm getting from the research I've done is we're fighting evil
40:17
which I feel is such an important theme right now in our world. So what do you hope audiences take away from this documentary with
40:26
Yeah, I think specific to the furry community, I hope that people realize it is a community that really cares for each other
40:37
and takes care of other people in the community in that, you know, like you referenced
40:42
there are people in the community who are willing to stand up and, you know, save it and also fight for the rights of other people and animals
40:50
And Theo said something nice earlier about, you know, anyone being able to do it
40:55
Maybe you want to repeat that. I don't know what I said
41:01
Well, you know, yeah, you mentioned evil, right? Like, and kind of commenting on the world today
41:09
and like kind of divisiveness and things like that. I am a believer in not having an opinion
41:16
Right. Yeah. I don't think that... No opinion. No opinion, right? Now, I get that lots of people have opinions
41:22
and there's some disagreement. Like, you know, it's rough, okay? I am presenting you with a story
41:30
where everybody can agree. Everybody can agree on the same opinion that if you hurt dogs
41:39
You are evil. We don't need a panel to discuss the pros and cons of hurting a dog
41:45
Right? This is not a liberal, conservative, Democrat, Republican. We can all say that if you hurt a dog, we're going to come after you
41:54
And we've got the furry fandom behind us. Right? Yeah. The furries are coming for you if you with dogs
42:02
Excuse me? Don't with the dogs. I love to play this game when I chat with people It not really a game but what I just asked what you hope audiences walk away from this with but to top on top of that in one word what was your main goal for people to feel
42:20
when they see this just one word it's hard but it makes for good content
42:26
it's hard right hope thank you Justice
42:38
Boom. And before I let you go, my show is called Survival Jobs
42:42
Before you guys were filmmakers and working in film, can you share a quick survival job that you had on your journey to be an artiste
42:50
Yes. The last job I had before I pressed record on a camera
42:55
was cleaning toilets at a church. And cool story. I was cleaning toilets at this church
43:03
I was the janitor. I was 19 years old. And I was dumping out a trash can and a flyer fell out, fell on the ground
43:10
And I uncrumpled this thing. And God spoke to me in that church
43:15
It was a flyer for a film festival. It said, make a film
43:19
And so what did I do? I made a film. And here I am, Tribeca 2025. And in case you didn't know, we're here at a film festival
43:26
Okay, I definitely cannot top that. One job I did was bartender. Sorry to be so lame
43:32
I mean, love, iconic. Well, thanks for chatting with me. You guys are great. Congratulations
43:39
Hi, everyone. We're here at the Tribeca Film Festival at the red carpet premiere of Dear Miss, a revolution in print
43:46
I am so excited to chat with all of these feminists, these creatives about this documentary
43:52
It is groundbreaking. It is going to be amazing and so iconic
43:57
Enjoy. Thank you. I'm from Survival Jobs, a podcast on the Broadway Podcast Network
44:02
A lot of people are just listening. So can you please introduce yourselves and what your role here is for our listeners
44:08
Sure. I'm Cecilia Andaroma, one of the co-directors on Dear Miss. I'm Salima Karoma, and I'm also one of the co-directors on Dear Miss
44:15
Alice Gu, and another co-director on Miss. Congratulations, ladies. This is such an important presentation at this time in the world
44:25
What does it mean to you to have this being screened at the Tribeca Film Festival right now at this time with everything going on in the world
44:32
I mean, you know, the gains of the feminist movement are under threat. What can we say
44:35
We've got to actually come together and remember where we come from and fight for what we believe in
44:41
And also we are telling a story from three different perspectives, something that is kind of new and, you know, insightful
44:48
and from, again, three different women telling one full story. I think that's amazing
44:54
And it feels incredible to bring this film to Tribeca, considering this magazine was formed in an apartment in New York City
45:01
53 years ago at this point. So it feels very, very fitting
45:08
It feels like a homecoming for the magazine. What attracted you to want to be a part of this project
45:14
Oh, my gosh. I mean, I think this is a very difficult one to answer
45:18
I think I'll speak for myself, but maybe all of us, we've all benefited from the work of our four women
45:26
I don't know what you call them, four fathers, four women, who laid the path for us and pioneered the path for women to, gosh, be able to wear pants
45:34
to be able to work, to have a voice, to open a bank account. I mean, all of these things that it's easy to take for granted these days
45:42
We just only have to think that only a few decades prior, these rights were not available for women
45:48
And then being able to speak with the women who were there and sort of understand from them what it was like
45:55
and how, you know, sometimes the idea of feminism, that word is a dirty word
46:01
and I learned that it always has been. So being able to learn and hear from the women who came before
46:08
it was amazing. I mean, I studied gender studies a minute ago
46:13
and, you know, Miz was always looming large, and, like, I've always defined my own feminism
46:21
in relationship to my elders. So, like Salim was saying, to be able to sit at the knee of your elders and listen to them
46:27
We all should be doing that. We all should be treasuring the people that have fought for what we have
46:33
Thank you so much for sharing that. And thank you for your work on this. I'm a huge feminist, and so I'm so stoked to see this because I haven't yet
46:41
What do you want to say to the next generation of female artists and how their art can continue to inspire change
46:49
and advocate for women and women's rights? I mean, I think the first thing is obviously to trust yourself
46:55
and don't let other people tell you that you're not worth something. But I also think this is a movie about coalition building
47:01
It's about a movement. So I think it's also about the we, and I think it's about remembering that you're not alone
47:07
and your work is as good as your team. That's a really great answer
47:11
Oh, my gosh, I love that. I also, just piggybacking on that
47:16
sometimes you can have this feeling of imposter syndrome and getting to watch all three parts
47:24
and see your vision can be whatever you want it to be, and it's valid, and it still means something
47:30
And for women, I would say piggybacking with Cecilia to trust your voice
47:34
Our work is not done. Our work is important. Our voice matters. And there's no time like the present
47:40
I feel like it's actually easier than ever to create and have your voice be out there
47:46
So continue to do the good work. Amazing, thank you. and before I let you go, in one word
47:51
what do you hope audiences walk away from viewing this with? Coalition
47:59
Can I say a phrase? Do the work. Inspiration. Thank you so much
48:05
I'm so inspired and I can't wait to see this. Have a great Tribeca Film Festival
48:09
Congratulations. Thank you. Hello happy Tribeca Film Festival As I just mentioned this is a podcast so a lot of people are just listening Can you please introduce yourselves and let us know what your role here is with this film
48:23
Hi, I'm Annie Sprinko, and I've been making sexually oriented films from the age of 18 to 70
48:30
My name is Veronica Vera, and in the 80s I worked as a sex journalist and porn star
48:40
and I have a part in this movie, the section that covers the pornography issue
48:47
Amazing. What does this film mean to you, especially now, when women's rights are still on the line and we still have to fight for so much
48:55
What does this mean to you to be a part of something so inspiring
48:59
and something that still fights for everything we believe in? Well, as young porn stars and sex workers
49:06
we were excluded from the table as this film demonstrates. Feminists, a lot of feminists thought we were victims or perpetrators of the patriarchy
49:19
We were feminists trying to create something new and different. So now we're being included
49:25
And I think it's a great moment where women realize, and trans and men
49:30
all feminists need to come together and fight the real enemy. I agree
49:36
And, you know, in the sex workers' rights movement, there's a saying that sexual freedom is a three-legged stool
49:46
And it covers reproductive rights, it covers recreational rights, recreational sex, and it covers sex for remuneration
49:55
And all of those things need to be free and decriminalized. And you can see how these days, without one of those things being decriminalized, it's affecting all of the other things
50:09
So, you know, who knew that Roe v. Wade would be repealed again? But, you know, it's part, there's all of these things intersect
50:20
And I worked in brothels right here in these neighborhoods and made porn in these buildings around here
50:27
and I always had the impetus of an artist I had to create
50:33
I wanted to express my sexuality. And now my movie's at Museum of Modern Art in New York
50:38
I'm a Guggenheim Fellow. I have a new film premiering. I'm an ecosexual
50:44
I've arrived, and this moment's very special. Amazing. That is so amazing and gorgeous, and so congratulations
50:52
Before I let you go, what do you want to say to the next generation of women who are fighting for whatever it may be
51:00
Sexuality, sex working, feminism, women's rights. What do you want to say to them
51:06
As an artist, I just want to say art is resistance. Make films, make art, and get out there and have peaceful protests
51:17
Yes, and you know fight for your your your rights, but also
51:23
You fight for the right of the person who is next to you even if that person doesn't look like you
51:28
It's important. It's important that we all don't have there are no rights until we all have rights, right
51:35
All right. Thank you for chatting. Thank you so much. Enjoy your night. You deserve to have a great night
51:41
so my name is jason i have a podcast called survival jobs a podcast would you mind introducing
51:51
yourselves because they can't see your beautiful faces because it's all listening yeah i am
51:56
christian carretero i'm lorraine jones molina and you both direct co-directed this film together
52:02
yes he tells a little bit about about the film and why it's important during this time to have
52:08
this film at the Tribeca Film Festival, world premiere? It's a film about Puerto Rico
52:15
It's about two lovers on the run. And it's a coming-of-age story as well
52:19
And I think it's an amazing time to be here in New York City
52:24
And New York and Puerto Rico have so many connections, historically, culturally, and it's the perfect time
52:30
It's the perfect time. We're very happy to be showing it. It's the perfect place to premiere this film
52:36
It's such an honor to be in New York City. to have it here at Tribeca. Right. Right
52:40
What do you hope audiences take away after watching the film today and for the rest of the screenings
52:45
Yes, I mean, I hope it, you know, it stays with them and they would want to see it again
52:50
Yeah. Yeah. You know, but, you know, it's to face sympathy, you know
52:55
like filmmaking creates sympathy between different cultures. Right. And we as Puerto Regans, we want to show who we are
53:02
our identity and also about our colonial past and our present. So it touches upon all those issues
53:09
Yeah, and I want to say that we love Tribeca Festival. It's an amazing festival, and people really care about the film
53:16
so we're just super happy to be here. Yeah, and why do you think it's so important now to have
53:20
because we all love the big blockbuster movies, we love the superhero movies, but to have a story like this
53:25
an independent film that's about people, human connection, why is that so important right now
53:31
Visibility, like when we can see ourselves and see each other, that's the first step to like just to even existing and acknowledging who we are and what
53:40
our issues are and to grow and to make changes yeah yeah in a world where you know we're
53:46
facing ai and changing technologies yeah and i think there's a need for more like um
53:53
artis type of art filmmaking you know and that's what we're trying to do yeah and christian
53:58
you said something earlier you're just talking about how like how that during this time like
54:03
you know, we need to uplift different voices, right? It's so important to do that. So thank you for doing that
54:07
Thanks for being here. Thanks for talking with me on Survival Jobs. Yeah, yeah
54:11
And I hope people see your film wide, wide. Let's get it out there. Thank you so much
54:15
It's an honor to be here. Congratulations
#Cult & Indie Films
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