The Five - All Hail Lady Streep

Written by Brionna Raum

Compiled by Brionnna Raum and Cameron Galvin

Well it’s officially OSCARS WEEK and we are getting all kinds of excited over here at festival headquarters. On today’s compilation of THE FIVE, we are giving some well-deserved attention to a woman who shattered the early expectations of her career, garnering 21 Oscar nominations over the stretch of her career, and winning not one, not two, but three Oscars for Best Actress. Yes, we are talking about the one and only, Meryl Streep. As a multi-faceted and ever growing actress, we believe Meryl Streep represents the kind of artistry and dedication to craft that the Academy Awards are meant to honor. So, without further ado, we present to you the top five Meryl Streep movies for which she was nominated for an Academy Award. Some honorable mentions that didn’t quite make the cut: Silkwood (1983), The Iron Lady (2011), and A Cry in the Dark (1988).

5. The Devil Wears Prada (2006)

In a role supposedly based on Vogue Magazine Editor-in-Chief Anna Wintour, Meryl Streep portrays the mysterious and decisive Miranda Priestly in David Frankel’s American comedy-drama The Devil Wears Prada. This role has become iconic for Streep in more ways than one, but one great aspect of her performance in this film is her ability to demonstrate the longevity of her career as a dynamic female actress. While it is common for men to receive sexy, powerful roles in the later years of their acting careers, it is unfortunately far less common for women to receive such roles. However, Meryl Streep successfully breaks the mold in that regard with her powerful performance in this film.

4. The Post (2017)

This more recent film from director-producer Steven Spielberg stars Meryl Streep as the first female publisher of a major american newspaper, and Tom Hanks as the Executive Editor of that newspaper, The Washington Post. The film follows their attempts to publish the Pentagon Papers, which were documents on the United States government’s involvement with the Vietnam War. The film received 6 nominations at the 75th Golden Globes, and Meryl was nominated for an Oscar for Best Actress. This film was significant in its ability to portray the responsibility of journalists to report the truth, but how that is often far easier said than done.

3. Kramer vs. Kramer (1979)

With the performance that won her her first Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress, Meryl Streep plays Joanna Kramer in director Robert Benton’s family legal drama. This film addresses issues salient to the audience to which it was premiered, namely, rising American divorce rates, gender roles in the family, and the work-life balance. Meryl Streep reportedly insisted on portraying her character as more sensitive and vulnerable than she was written, which turned out in the end to be very crucial to the story. At the very early stages of her career, it was incredibly impressive that she won an Academy Award and she has continued to hone her craft since that time.

2. The Deer Hunter (1978)

Winning the Academy Award for Best Picture in 1979, director Michael Cimino’s The Deer Hunter tells the story of three Russian-American steelworkers who went through incredible experiences fighting in the Vietnam War. Perhaps the most iconic aspect of this film is it’s featuring of Russian Roulette in the story, which turned out to be very controversial after the film’s release. Meryl Streep plays Linda, the fiance of one of the steelworkers, and wrote much of the character into the story herself. For this performance she received the first of her 21 Academy Awards nominations.

1. Sophie’s Choice (1982)

Topping our list today we have director Alan J. Pakula’s film Sophie’s Choice, starring Meryl Streep, with the performance that won her first Academy Award for Best Actress. Sophie’s Choice follows the story of Sophie, a Polish immigrant and holocaust survivor, living with her tempestuous lover Nathan and a young writer, Stingo. Throughout the film elements of Sophie’s past are revealed, and lovers’ issues arise. The part of Sophie was originally written for someone else, but Meryl was so determined to get the part that she pursued Pakula relentlessly. Sophie’s Choice is also a wonderful representation of Streep’s uncanny ability to master accents, as she maintains a polish accent throughout the film. While there’s no way to know how the film would have been different had Meryl not been cast as Sophie, we think it’s safe to say that her performance in this movie was phenomenal, and well deserving of the accolades it received.

The Five - 80s High School Comedies

The Five – 80s High School Comedies

Written by Cameron Galvin

Compiled by Cameron Galvin and Brionna Raum

High school was a time in which we all wish we could go back too. Unfortunately we can’t, but we have movies to help us remember. Deciding on high school comedies was way too much of a broad topic. Therefore, our crack team of film enthusiast has come up with the idea to break it up by decade. For this list, the films have to be about high school and had to have been made in the 80s. As always some films didn’t make the cut and they deserve some recognition. Weird Science, Teen Wolf, and Pretty in Pink.

5. Risky Business (1983)

Tom Cruise is a good student who finds himself with his parents’ house all to himself for the weekend. Looking for some fun he decides to order an escort for the night. It isn’t until he takes his father’s Porsche out for a joyride and has an unfortunate accident, that the weekend goes bad. Needing money, he and his new friend come up with unorthodox way to raise the money. Filled with funny laughs throughout and some great action, this piece has the hearts of us all. It makes everyone think back to the times they had their parents’ house all to themselves.

4. Sixteen Candles (1984)

Being a teenage girl is hard enough; dealing with a crazy family and other obstacles on your “sweet sixteen” is the worst. Molly Ringwald stars in this comedic classic about a girl that has the worst sixteen birthdays ever. She has a crush on the hottest boy in school, and the geekiest boy in school is in love with her. Not to mention her entire family forgets her birthday because of her sister’s wedding going on the same weekend. A journey to womanhood can sometimes be rough, but sixteen candles show us everything great and horrible about high school and there is a light at the end of the tunnel.

3. Fast Times at Ridgemont High (1982)

This film follows a group of Southern California high school students with different agendas on how to just get out of there alive. Some are looking for love, the others are looking to party, and one is just trying to coast by. The center of the movie no doubt goes through surfer stoner Jeff Spicoli, a teen who cares only about girls, drugs, and good waves. An epic showdown between him and his teacher Mr. Hand is the ultimate truth to any trouble maker dealing with a hard ass. The great thing about this film is the subtle growth that each kid goes through during the confusing time of being a teenager. A classic that no one will forget.

2. Ferris Bueller’s Day Off (1986)

Every high school student needs a day off once in a while. Wise guy Ferris Bueller is determined to have his and live it up to the fullest. Along with his girlfriend and best friend they set out to have an action packed day in the City of Chicago. Of course first, they have to pick up his father’s prized classic Ferrari. With his principal on the hunt and dodging his parent’s throughout the day the kids pull off the ultimate sick day by racing home at the last minute. This masterpiece has everything you could ask for, even a dancing scene in the middle of a parade. Every kid grows up wanting to have a legendary sick day like the king Ferris Bueller.

1.  The Breakfast Club (1985)

It’s no surprise this classic is at number one. All the thrills of being a high school teenager are compacted into 8 hours. Five high school students meet in Saturday detention and find out they have a lot more in common than they think. Each sharing their stories of how they got there and the problems they face within their lives. The film has ups and downs; the students go from sitting in silence, to crying at points, and then smoking pot and dancing to loud music, basically just being normal teenagers. The ultimate message in this film is that no matter if you are the popular kid or the looser of the school. All teenagers have the same problems that they need to figure out. A classic that will always be a favorite and everyone wishes they had a detention as cool as this one.

The Five - Female Directed Movies

The Five - Female Directed Movies

By Emma Mayeux

Compiled by Emma Mayeux and Cameron Galvin

It’s no secret that film is a male dominated industry, but female directors are increasingly making names for themselves every year. In 2018, women comprised only 20% of all directors, writers, producers, executive producers, editors, and cinematographers working on the top 250 domestic grossing films in the USA. This list is dedicated to five female directors who have showcased their talents through their films. Honorable mentions go to Wonder Woman (2017) directed by Patty Jenkins, Big (1988) directed by Penny Marshall, and Lost in Translation (2003) directed by Sofia Coppola.

5. The Hurt Locker (2009)

This film earned Kathryn Bigelow an Oscar for best director, making her the only woman to ever win this award. The Hurt Locker follows an elite army bomb squad unit in Iraq who must escape death in a war torn city. Bigelow showcases the psychological affects to war and how each soldier responds differently to trauma. The Hurt Locker is tense, something is constantly going wrong as these soldiers attempt to find the bombs in time. This film offers a raw, grim portrayal of war and steers clear of glorifying real life violence that American soldiers face. She is able to demonstrate a realistic portrayal of modern day American soldiers and how their trauma follows them throughout their lives. Bigelow does not hold back, showing the audience the horrors of war, making her film one of the greatest war films of the 21st century.

4. American Psycho (2000)

This horror thriller follows the life of Patrick Bateman, a mild mannered investment banker who is a serial killer on the side. Mary Harron adapted this gory story from Bret Easton Ellis, which was notorious for its graphic descriptions of murder. On initial release, this film faced swarms of protests against violence in the media in response to the Columbine shootings. Anti violence and feminists groups deemed Harron’s film misogynist and encouraged businesses to not let her film in their establishments. Harron, however, made sure that her film was not senseless violence towards women. Unlike in the novel, Harron’s film shows the murders from the perspective of Bateman’s female victims. She explained that this was because “the perspective in those murder scenes wasn't through Patrick Bateman but the women.” American Psycho is now seen as a classic satire on corporate capitalism, violence in the media, and America’s materialistic culture.

3. You Were Never Really Here (2018)

This film directed by Lynne Ramsay flew under the radar in 2018. It follows Joaquin Phoenix’s character, a hitman, as he suffers the consequences from a job gone wrong and must save a young girl from a sexual predator. Ramsay commits to her own style by employing an unnerving score, unique cinematography, and surrealist elements. The audience is left wondering what is reality and what is fantasy throughout the film as the main character struggles to grasp his own reality. Ramsay ignores standard action movie conventions, by making the hitman an empathetic human. He cares for his mother, abused children, and comforts one of the antagonists as he dies. You Were Never Really Here mimics the shattered psyche of the main character by forcing its audience feel his hallucinations and his past through flashbacks and its eerie score. Ramsay’s film is hyper stylized and unapologetic about its eccentricity.

2. The Babadook (2014)

The Babadook is an Australian horror film directed by Jennifer Kent about a dark entity called the babadook that haunts a widow and her troubled son. The babadook is first introduced as a friendly storybook character, but takes a dark turn. When Amelia, the mother, tries to destroy the book, the babadook invades their lives. This film isn’t about a scary monster, however, it’s about grief. After five years, Amelia is still unable to move on from her husband’s death. She carries around her grief and guilt, blaming herself for her husband’s death, while struggling to control her son’s violent outbursts. The real monster is not the babadook, but Amelia’s resistance to let go of her husband and forgive herself for his death. Kent communicates Amelia’s struggle to reconcile with her husband’s death through the babadook, making the monster even more terrifying. The end to this film is unexpected and subverts monster movie tropes, really sticking to its main message of grief and loss. Kent offers a refreshing horror film with an underlying theme, and ditches the conventional jump scare tactics.

1. Lady Bird (2017)

Greta Gerwig takes her turn behind the camera in her coming of age film, Lady Bird. Starring Saoirse Ronan, Lady Bird follows the life of a high school senior as she desperately tries to leave California in hopes for a drastically new life. Christine, aka Lady Bird, navigates through her last year of high school, facing the challenges of love, friendships, and sex. Gerwig creates a relatable representation of American teenagers who are not kids, but not yet adults either. Lady Bird tries the whole movie to run away to New York, only to realize how much she did not value her family when she had them. Gerwig shows the conflict that all young adults must face when leaving home. She shows the excitement of change and the despair of loss of connections with friends and family. Lady Bird is a modern coming of age film that deals with the loss of youth and newly discovered maturity that all teenagers face, defining a generation.

The Five - Michael B. Jordan Movies

The Five – Michael B. Jordan Movies

Welcome to another edition of Phoenix Film Festival’s The Five. On today’s slate is the top five Michael B. Jordan movies. For this list we looked at the top films featuring Jordan over any medium. That includes straight to DVD releases, feature film releases, and made for TV releases. There were a good amount of movies to choose from but a few of them did not make our list, here are some of them: The Awkward Moment (2014), Red Tails (2012), and Fahrenheit 451 (2018).

5. Justice League: Flashpoint Paradox (2014)

Our list begins with an animated feature that went straight to DVD for its release. This movie is a marvel as far as Superhero storytelling goes, along with a strong cast of dynamic characters. Jordan shines as Cyborg as he handles this voice over role with a conviction. It is the only voice over movie on this list but it is well-deserved.  His role wasn’t a major one but it was integral to plot so it makes the list.

4. Chronicle (2012)

This box office surprise is next on our list at four. The plot is about three teens discovering they have superpowers, but their lives soon start spinning out of control. This is a very underrated film to say the least. If you need a different change of pace from the superhero movies of today you should make time to watch this flick. This movie was one of the first films to put Jordan in the Hollywood spotlight. His charming performance as Steve really showed some individuals in Hollywood that Jordan has big screen potential.

3 Fruitvale Station (2013)

This retelling of a true story really put Jordan on the map. This film was written and directed by first time filmmaker Ryan Coogler and it was about the last day of an Oakland native Oscar Grant. This was Jordan’s first lead in a movie and he did not disappoint. He received critical acclaim for his portrayal of Oscar Grant. The performance felt so real and relatable, it isn’t hard to see why. It might have been the start of the next best actor/director combo with himself and Ryan Coogler.

2. Creed I & Creed II (2015) (2018)

Coming in at number two is the Creed franchise. The first movie cemented Micheal’s status as a certified “A” lister.  He went under a huge physical transformation for his role, and he also performed all of his fight scenes because he did not have a body double. His emotionally driven performances in these movies perfect display Jordan immense range and dedication to the character. The second move did more of the same, it also showed us that the Coogler/Jordan combo is a real showstopper.  

1. Black Panther (2018)

At the top spot on our list is the cultural phenomenon that is Black Panther. Jordan performance was nothing short of spectacular as he played an adversary (N’jadaka/Eric “KIllmonger” Stevens) to Chadwick Boseman’s T’challa/Black Panther. He was grounded, charismatic and made the audience actual care for a villain. There was an incredible scene with Jordan and Boseman’s Black Panther and Killmonger said “bury me in the ocean with my ancestors that jumped from the ships. Because they knew death was better than bondage.” The movie has received worldwide praise and is the benchmark for the beginning of Jordan’s prime of his career.      

The Five - Arizona Movies

The Five - Arizona Movies

Written by: Brionna Raum

Compiled by: Brionna Raum & Cameron Galvin

Contrary to popular belief, you don’t have to go to Hollywood to make a successful film. (Okay, maybe that's not really a popular belief anymore. Roll with us). There have been many successful films made right here in Arizona, where nearly 365 days of sunshine provide for great shooting conditions, and our beautiful desert landscape lends iconic settings. On today’s edition of THE FIVE, we have compiled for you the top five films made and set Arizona. Enjoy a bit of filmmaking history in Arizona, as well as a star studded list of films!

5. Everything Must Go (2010)

Starting off our list we have chosen Dan Rush’s Everything Must Go, starring Will Ferrell. This film was shot in Phoenix and Scottsdale, making use of the unique suburban scapes of the valley. The story follows Ferrell’s character Nick, who is fired from his job following incidents related to his alcoholism. His wife leaves him and locks him out of their house, causing him to put his life back together starting with selling everything he has on his porch. This film is an honest story of the journey through addiction, and it’s Arizona setting is a great plus.

4. Raising Arizona (1987)

This hilarious Coen Brothers film has earned a spot on our list, not least because it has “Arizona” in the title. Starring Nicholas Cage and Holly Hunter, Raising Arizona is a crime comedy film about an ex-con and an ex-police officer who get married and want to have a baby but are unable to, so naturally, they kidnap one. The Arizona setting is great for this movie and the lawless wild-west themes of its fast-paced crime.

3. Bus Stop (1956)

In what has been called her best-ever performance, Marilyn Monroe stars alongside Don Murray in Joshua Logan’s film Bus Stop. Set in Arizona and shot in Arizona and Idaho, this film is the earliest made Arizona film on our list. Monroe was nominated for the Golden Globes Best Actress for her performance in this film, and was involved with the production of the film as head of Marilyn Monroe Productions. The film was also nominated for the Golden Globes Best Motion Picture (Comedy or Musical).

2. Little Miss Sunshine (2006)

Director couple Jonathan Dayton and Valerie Faris shot Little Miss Sunshine over the course of 30 days in Arizona and Southern California. While technically set in Albuquerque, the fact that it was shot within the scenic backdrop of Arizona combined with its excellent craft as a film has earned it a place on our top five today. Little Miss Sunshine follows the road trip of a dysfunctional yet endearing family on the way to California for the youngest family member to compete in a beauty pageant. This film was met with exceptional critical acclaim, not to mention that it spawned an iconic internet meme (pictured above).

1. Jerry Maguire (1996)

Earning our number one spot today for Arizona films is Cameron Crowe’s film Jerry Maguire starring Tom Cruise. Jerry Maguire is a story of a sports agent who comes to a disturbing conclusion about his career. This film was shot in Los Angeles, Phoenix, and Tempe, but certainly the most Arizona thing about it is its use of the Arizona Cardinals as a major plot point. If you love Tom Cruise, football, and Arizona, this is a great movie for you. If you don’t love all those things….we don’t know what to tell you.   

The Five - Romantic Comedies

The Five - Romantic Comedies

Written by: Kyley Warren

 Compiled by: Amy Cable and Kyley Warren

Welcome to the Phoenix Film Festival’s daily, ‘Top 5.’ Romantic comedies are often a tricky concept to bring to life. Filmmakers are forced to walk a fine line between forbidden love stories and comedic plots, without necessarily fitting into the cliché mold of what a modern “rom-com” might typically look like. The ever-changing genre is demanding of original ideas and films that fall into this category face a seemingly shorter lifespan than other cinematic favorites. Despite this, there are still a select few that manage to capture the audience’s hearts and offer a glimpse into a much more fun, and much less complicated, world of dating. With Valentine’s Day quickly approaching, it only seemed fitting that we reminisce on some of the best romantic comedies of all time. These pictures depict lovable (and sometimes, very unlovable) characters as they navigate the charming, comedic and oftentimes, downright embarrassing realities of romance.

While there are dozens of beloved romantic comedies that did not make our list, there are a handful that we believe still deserve honorable mentions. These films were: “10 Things I Hate About You,” “Crazy, Stupid, Love,” “Love Actually” and “The Big Sick.” Now, onto the good stuff. Here are our picks for the top five, greatest rom-coms of all time.

5. Hitch (2005)

This picture centers around dating doctor, Alex “Hitch” Hitchens (Will Smith), who prides himself on his knack for setting people up for success in relationships. He even goes as far as to claim that he can match people with their soulmates in only three dates. His smooth-talking, woman-wooing capabilities are halted when he meets Sara (Eva Mendes), a columnist with a motive to expose Hitch and his dating services as a scam. In classic rom-com film fashion, the two wind up falling in love. “Hitch” is a modern example of the idea that you can’t always control who you fall in love with. Will Smith and Eva Mendes’ playful on-screen relationship only helps to build the character’s undeniable chemistry.

4. Some Like It Hot (1959)

After witnessing the St. Valentine’s Day Massacre, two musicians - Jerry (Jack Lemmon) and Joe (Tony Curtis) - flee the scene and find themselves hiding from the Mob. In an attempt to avoid recognition, the pair begins cross-dressing so that they can blend into an all-female band. Their situation only becomes more complicated when one is suddenly pursued by a millionaire (Joe E. Brown), while the other finds himself falling in love with the band’s singer (Marilyn Monroe), but unable to reveal his true identity. “Some Like It Hot” is arguably one of the greatest comedies of all time. Not only was this film considered daring and original at the time of its release, but it has also managed to stand the test of time, making even today’s young audiences laugh at the bizarre and hilarious antics of the picture’s unforgettable protagonists.

3. 50 First Dates (2004)

“50 First Dates” centralizes the idea that great love really is complicated. Henry (Adam Sandler), a veteran playboy, attempts to romance a local woman, Lucy (Drew Barrymore), who he meets at a breakfast diner. Though he sets his sights on wooing her, his plan is complicated when he discovers that she suffers from short-term memory loss and she wakes up every morning forgetful of what transpired the day before. Though Henry falls deeper in love with her, he is forced to make Lucy fall in love with him again each day. This picture offers a beautiful, complicated and truly comedic glimpse into the lengths that people are willing to go for love.

2. Bridget Jones’s Diary (2001)

This movie is centered around Bridget Jones (Renee Zellweger), a 30-something year old woman whose borderline-problematic lifestyle - which revolves around reckless dating, drinking and smoking - gets to be too out of control for even her to handle. After coming to terms with the rambunctious and uncontrollable nature of her life, Bridget consciously decides to begin keeping a diary for an entire year. Within the journal, she swears to be completely honest. What unfolds from there is a refreshing glimpse into Bridget’s dating world as detailed by her, which involves everything from a forbidden affair with her boss (Hugh Grant) to an unexplainable chemistry with a disagreeable acquaintance (Colin Firth). Bridget Jones’s Diary depicts the challenges of dating past the age of 30 in a refreshing and modern way.

1. When Harry Met Sally (1989)

When we heard the term, ‘rom-com,’ it was almost impossible to not immediately think of, “When Harry Met Sally.” The film begins with Harry (Billy Crystal) and Sally (Meg Ryan) - recent college graduates - meeting as two strangers as they share a car ride from Chicago to New York City. Though their initial interactions are arguably hostile, even the audience is aware that their relationship is far from over. As the film progresses, Harry and Sally’s friendship also begins to blossom. The pair practically coined the modern denial of a romantic relationship with their repeated excusal of: “We’re just friends,” throughout the picture. Finally, at the film’s end, after Harry admits his love for Sally on New Year’s Eve, their strong comradery eventually evolves into a full-fledged romance that had audiences everywhere reciting, “We’ll have what she’s having.”

The Five - Scores

The Five - Scores

Written by Okechi Apakama

Compiled by Okechi Apakama, Jose Castaneda and Kyley Warren

Welcome to another edition of Phoenix Film Festival’s The Five. This day we dove right into the top movie scores. These films were placed based on how well they were composed and how iconic the movie was. There was not an emphasis on listing these films iconically but their impact was definitely taken into consideration. We also tried to move away from animated movies on this list because those were films that could make up another list entirely. In preparation for the Oscars this list should get you into the right vibe for that special day. Without further ado here is a list of the few movies scores that didn’t make the cut; Titanic (1997) composed by James Horner, Jaws (1975) composed by John Willaims, The Good the Bad and the Ugly (1966) composed by Ennio Morricone, Psycho (1960) composed by Bernard Herrmann, and a special recognition to Hans Zimmer and his bevy of  music scores.

5. Jurassic Park 1993 composed by John Williams

Take a trip to a park that shows us dinosaurs can exist, this movie’s score will always bring us back to the scene where we are introduced to the world of Jurassic Park. The score excellently balances childlike wonder with the imminent danger that surrounds the island. This feature along with many other great films is composed by John Williams and this will not be the only time you see Williams on this list.

4. Back to the Future 1985 composed by Alan Silvestri

This sci-fi adventure comes in at four on the list with a score that has a very zany feel to it. It is a score that screams adventure and it helps the audience forgo their beliefs about reality. It makes us feel that time travel is possible. Alan Silvestri who also has Forrest Gump and The Avengers movies to his name composed this score and also had a couple of songs on the soundtrack under the same name. 

3. Casablanca 1942 by Max Steiner

This classic brought to life an enduring love tell that brought together old classical elements and new (for its time) music. Casablanca’s score can be seen as timeless melody that perfectly matches the tone and feel for the movie. It is widely recognized movie and its score can bring people together from all walks of life.

2. The Godfather 1972 by Nino Rota

This movie score set the look, feel and sound of how we view the mafia. The movie is the reason why so many adolescent teens had huge godfather posters on their wall. The picture’s score was iconic as it set the mold for all Italian mobster movies to come. Nino Rota, who composed the music for this film, he won an Academy Award for his work on The Godfather Part 2 (1974).

1. Star Wars 1977, 1980, 1983 (the first trilogy) by John Williams

There was not much debate when it came to finding number one on our list. This movie transformed generations and the score is ingrained in people’s minds. There probably aren't many people who do not know the theme of Star Wars. This also comes from the incredibly talented John Williams who has 51 academy nominations to his name. Star Wars is not only transcendent movie but it sound and score set the bar for sci-fi action movies to come.

An interview with the director of Quaker Oaths, Louisiana Kreutz

Quaker Oaths: Interview with the Director, Louisiana “Lucy” Kreutz

Written by Cameron Galvin

Questions Compiled by Cameron Galvin and Brionna Raum

Louisiana “Lucy” Kreutz is an award winning director and producer based in New York City. She has won the Sundance Institute’s Sustainability Award and the Faces of Austin Award at SXSW.  Kreutz wrote and directed her first feature film in 2016. Quaker Oaths is an independent comedy following a Quaker married couple, Joe and Emily, who want to get divorced. The Quaker tradition poses a challenge that forces them to get every signature on their wedding certificate crossed off. They hit the road to track down friends and relatives, discovering new feelings about each other during the journey. The film made its Arizona debut in the 2017 Phoenix Film Festival and is now being released. It is streaming on Amazon Prime Video and is on sale at Target, Best Buy, WalMart, Barnes and Nobles, and Amazon. Excited about the release, we were fortunate enough to interview Kreutz about the piece.

1. What influenced you to make a film about Quaker tradition? & 2. Have you been or participated in a Quaker wedding before?

I am not a Quaker myself, but I went to one Quaker wedding about six years ago with a bunch of my friends. At this wedding, the bride and groom did the tradition of having all of their wedding guests sign their marriage certificate, and my friends and I immediately started joking about what would happen if they got a divorce- would we all have to cross off our names? Then we joked about how that would make a really good romantic comedy. I think the pun “Quaker Oaths” was born that same day.

3. What do you want to say about the institution of marriage with this film? 

I don't have a specific message about the institution of marriage- really all I'm saying is that every relationship is complicated and you never know where you'll end up.

4. Are the characters based on people in your life?

The character of Mikey is based on my good friend Angel, who really does play Unicycle Football. He's a very charming guy and a great actor and I wrote the part for him...but then he said he wanted to spend his time focusing on Unicycle Football so he didn't have time to do the movie! 

5. How are viewers supposed to feel about Mikey?

I tried to write the part of Mikey as someone who is so un-neurotic that he would stand as a good juxtaposition to Joe. I also wanted him to be one of those people whose confidence is off putting at first, but then he is so earnest and sweet that people can't help but like him.

6. Did Emily actually want to get divorced or did she use the road trip all along to reconcile with Joe?

That is up for debate! I don't think she did that on purpose, but I do think they were both, wanting to stall the actual moment of divorce.

7. Do you want to continue to make comedies? 

Yes! I'm hoping to make another film within the next year.

8. What were your biggest obstacles in making this movie?

I made this film on a very low budget, so all of the challenges that go with that were both fun and sometimes overwhelming. I had to beg friends to offer up their houses and offices and coffee shops as locations to film in. We used my small Mazda Protege 5 hatchback as our main picture car, but we also used it as our grip truck- jamming all of the gear into the back of it. So when we needed to film a scene of the car driving up to a house, we'd have to unload all the lighting gear, film the car driving up, and then reload the gear into it. There were a lot of little things like that that made our days way harder, but are kind of funny to look back on.